Diehl Aviation and HAECO Cabin Solutions will be showcasing a completely new premium cabin concept for single-aisle aircraft at the Aircraft Interiors Expo to improve passenger comfort and grow airline yields. This new cabin concept allows an additional seat per row in the same space as a traditional recliner premium cabin, and improves passenger comfort and privacy.
At the heart of the solution is an asymmetric cabin configuration with the Eclipse Staggered Seats, a new and innovative premium seat designed to provide optimal comfort in either a 5-abreast or 4-abreast configuration. In a 5-abreast configuration, passengers do not sit exactly behind each other as usual, but always slightly staggered. For passengers, this means significantly improved comfort: The solution is remarkably effective in either application. Due to the staggered seats passengers’ shoulders are not in line with their immediate neighbor. In addition, 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.
Diehl Aviation will be exhibiting the concept for the first time at its booth at the AIX 2023 with a full-size cabin demonstrator.
Conversion of existing cabins is facilitated by a standard modification kit offered by HAECO Cabin Solutions and Diehl Aviation available with either FAA or EASA certification, respectively. The kit is designed and packaged in a way that facilitates the modification during an aircraft maintenance visit or as part of a dedicated modification line. The concept is tailored to re-use the maximum number of parts from the current cabin.