Muirhead has announced a strategic move into the global seat cover market, offering a unique, vertically integrated service that disrupts traditional airline seating supply chains.
Renowned for its sustainable leather production, Muirhead is now a fully certified provider of streamlined, end-to-end seat cover solutions for airlines and seat OEMs. The new Muirhead seat cover service encompasses every stage of production, from initial design and fit checks to certification, material production, and seat cover manufacturing. By eliminating the need for multiple suppliers, the service reduces complexity, lead times, and costs while enhancing quality control and accountability.
Nicholas Muirhead, CEO of Scottish Leather Group, the parent company of Muirhead, remarked: “This marks a significant milestone for Muirhead. Our entry into the seat cover market builds on over a century of leather expertise and we're bringing that same commitment to quality and innovation to a new frontier. By integrating every stage of the seat cover production process, we're offering airlines a seamless service that ensures absolute accountability and delivers superior value.”
Martin Longden, Head of Cabin Engineering at Muirhead, added: “Unlike fabrics or synthetics, leather demands specialised craftsmanship and technical expertise to achieve the fit and performance required in aviation – expertise often missing in traditional supply chains. At Muirhead, we've integrated every step of this process under one roof, ensuring airlines benefit from a seamless, accountable solution and the unrivalled quality that only comes from working with a dedicated leather specialist.”
The vertically integrated approach eliminates intermediary stages, reducing margin stacking and ensuring traceability from farm to fit. Muirhead's expertise ensures leather seat covers meet the highest standards of durability and performance, with faster turnaround times and competitive pricing.
Sustainability remains a cornerstone of Muirhead's operations. The company's patented circular manufacturing processes and zero-waste commitment align with airlines' environmental goals, supported by a seven-year leather warranty and independently verified life cycle analysis.