Airlines look now to fulfil future wide-body requirements

Thompson Aero Seating is pleased to report increased activity regarding wide-body aircraft with a number of airlines actively planning fleet requirements now to be ready for the anticipated 2024 recovery. Whilst Thompson continues to receive enquiries from potential customers for its single-aisle products such as the VantageSOLO, and the recently released VantageDUO, it is now seeing an upsurge in interest from airlines regarding new twin-aisle projects, for platforms such as the A330 and B787.

Airline customers are looking at the refreshed VantageXL, which has been enhanced and enriched in 2022. It offers the ultimate in passenger comfort with impressive personal living space, a fully flat horizontal bed, and 100% direct-aisle access. Already a highly successful and well-regarded seat, the VantageXL includes the option for fully enclosed suites and a ‘Business Plus’ enhanced front row.

However, with OEM line-fit programmes taking typically 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 predicted to be fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. For retrofit of existing aircraft, Thompson adds that whilst lead-times are often shorter, anything between 12 to 24 months depending upon the complexity and scope of the project, these again need to be started soon in order to support the recovery.

Andy Morris, VP Commercial for Thompson Aero Seating, commented: “It is really positive that we are seeing such strong recovery and renewed interest in wide-body aircraft. We have some exciting projects already underway and will be looking to increase our capacity based upon the current and forecasted demand for our products.”