Diehl Aviation and HEICO Cabin Solutions have come up with a new premium cabin concept for single-aisle aircraft which is being showcased at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany.
This new cabin will allow for an additional seat per row in the same space as a traditional recliner premium cabin, while also improving passenger comfort and privacy. The concept focuses on an asymmetric cabin configuration with the Eclipse Staggered Seats, a new and innovative premium seat which will provide optimal comfort in either a four-abreast or five-abreast configuration.
In a five-abreast configuration, passengers do not sit exactly behind each other as usual, but are slightly staggered. The solution is extremely effective in either application. With staggered seats passengers' shoulders are not in line with their immediate neighbour. Additionally, the seats are enclosed at the rear by a fixed backrest. If the backrest is reclined, this is done through a cradling incline motion without any interference for the passenger in the next row. In combination with high-end cabin components from Diehl Aviation, a unique cabin concept for premium economy class is created with a high level of travel comfort for passengers.
Besides state-of-the-art cabin lighting and ECO lightweight partitions, Diehl Aviation's Enlarged Bin is another key element for passenger comfort in the 5-abreast configuration. It is easy to install as a retrofit, reduces maintenance times through a quick-snap system and provides additional overhead space. Despite the asymmetric aisle and bigger bins, the cabin still provides the same passenger living space as in the rear section of the cabin. By moving the bin above the triple seat inboard, the 5-abreast cabin retains easy accessibility and maximum passenger convenience.
Conversion of existing cabins can be achieved with a standard modification kit offered by HAECO Cabin Solutions and Diehl Aviation available with either FAA or EASA certification, respectively. The kit is designed to facilitate modification during an aircraft maintenance visit or as part of a dedicated modification line.
