Cabin Seating, Part 3, Design & Styling

The seat design and its covering are usually the focal point of the completions interior. Classic, timeless styling can create the look that expresses the owners taste. It also can entice the occupant to feel cradled and comfortable for the long haul. It begins with the buildup of various densities of foam, from hard to soft that create the level of comfort and support after the first hour and long into the last hour of flight. A selection of foam build that is too hard and the passenger is in constant motion to find a pleasing position. Too soft and you feel if you’re sitting on the hard pan below the cushion. Then there should be the consideration that eventually the foam will breakdown and soften over time. It is best that the upholstery shop create several foam build ups for you to sample.

The design of the seats bucket also will dictate the comfort, not only as a seat but when it’s berthed for sleeping. A seat that is too sculpted and contoured will make a poor berth. A seat that is to flat and designed for berthing is then uncomfortable for seating on long flight legs. It is best to find the happy medium in this case depending on the type of berthing requirement your operation has. Where the design is tufted or rolled also impacts the level of comfort. Button, bars, pulls, seams, piping and stitching also affect the overall comfort. Some operators look to automotive styling for the sculpted bucket look but don’t consider the reclined or berthed seat. It is important to sit in as many designs that are available to you when making you selection.

Leather covering is a great choice for seats. It warms to the bodies’ temperature, has the look of luxury and is easily maintained. Upholstery fabric is also good where sound damping is a concern but looks worn over time and requires more cleaning. When selecting leather it is good to request a rub test like the Tabor test. This will allow you to select lather where this finish will not wear prematurely. Leather can also be repaired and the surface repainted should it be damaged. Custom dye can match the fading of your leather. Once delivered the window shades of you aircraft should be closed especially if you aircraft is not hungered. When selecting fabric covering for your seats it should be upholstery grade and not the type used in light traffic seating or draperies. Wool is always the best choice over blends and synthetics.

Be sure you perform a first article inspection of your seat. Inspect the stitching and workmanship, but above all sit in it. Not a quick trial either, but a good half an hour to get the sense that the seat will be comfortable on long flights. Make sure that there is a piece of carpet and pad below your feet to get the correct floor to thigh height. Spending this time and making any adjustment to the foam build or design of the seat will increase the comfort of your aircraft significantly.