Key Highlights
- Most airlines look now to fulfill wide-body aircraft requirements needed in the future.
- Airline customers are looking at the refreshed VantageXL, enhanced and enriched in 2022.
Thompson Aero Seating has reported increased activity regarding wide-body aircraft, with several airlines actively planning fleet requirements now to be ready for the estimated 2024 recovery.
While Thompson continues to receive inquiries from potential customers for its single-aisle products like the VantageSOLO, and the recently released VantageDUO, it is now seeing an upsurge in interest from airlines regarding new twin-aisle projects for platforms like the A330 and B787.
Airline customers are looking at the refreshed VantageXL, enhanced and enriched in 2022. It provides the ultimate in-passenger comfort with impressive personal living space, a fully flat horizontal bed, and 100% direct-aisle access.
The VantageXL, a highly successful and well-regarded seat, includes the option for fully enclosed suites and a ‘Business Plus’ enhanced front row.
However, with OEM line-fit programs typically taking between 24 and 30 months from the start of the project to the first aircraft delivery, airlines will need to start these projects now to have the capacity available for 2024, when the market is estimated to be fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
For retrofit of existing aircraft, Thompson mentions that while lead times are usually shorter, anything between 12 to 24 months, based upon the complexity and scope of the project, these again need to be started early to support the recovery.
Andy Morris, VP commercial for Thompson Aero Seating, commented that it is positive that they are seeing such strong recovery and renewed interest in wide-body aircraft. They have some exciting projects already underway and will be looking to increase the capacity based on the current and forecasted demand for their products.
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