VICKI SWAIN
Ducommun Aerostructures has unveiled two new airline seats - one for business class and a close pitch model for tourist class.
Based on the company's original 1997 seat design, the two new models on show on Stand C13, Hall 3 offer a greater level of comfort for passengers and improved durability. Ducommun has a great deal of experience in assessing materials for durability and this, combined with new engineering developments, means there is no longer any need for the sheet metal or foam seating found in most models on the market.
Instead, the seat body is manufactured from a compression-moulded glass and resin mixture, while the seat area is a mesh that's more hard-wearing and comfortable than foam seat pads. Although both are identically engineered using the same frame, the business-class seat benefits from a different back height and movable arms. Gone, too, is the plastic arm and in its place is a metal alternative three times stronger than the airline specifications require. The end bay, which suffers the brunt of airline trolleys, has also changed. Now made from aluminium, they are considerably stronger than their predecessor and come with a 10-year warranty.
Source: Flight Daily News
