Lufthansa Technik’s innovative VIP seating solution »chair« has received its ETSO (European Technical Standard Order) certification. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) granted two ETSO’s for the 9g certified and 16g certified »chair« family. This ETSO designation can also be used for FAA TSO certification. With this approval production of »chair« can start.
»chair« is based on an innovative pedestal design upon which is
mounted a baseline core skeleton or structure. This pedestal and
structure is intentionally left incomplete, allowing designers to
create a chair to meet the particular needs of a particular cabin –
dining room, video lounge, office, bedroom, etc. Not only the height,
width, and depth, but also the overall “look-and-feel” can be
configured. The shape, upholstery, and padding can be selected to
allow for an uncompromised interior design under one certification.
The certification process will allow Lufthansa Technik to validate
changes to the »chair« without intensive re-testing. EASA testing
was designed and passed to maximum dynamic load cases. This enables
changes to be classified as minor deviations under the umbrella the
granted ETSO.
“After achieving this major step, »chair« is now officially available
in the market. »chair« is not just another seat, it’s an innovation
in aircraft seating from many points of view. We now break the
paradigm of designing cabins around bulky seats to selecting the
appropriate chair for any environment, just like at home,” stated
Oliver Thomaschewski, Head of BU Seating and Structures. “I am very
proud of the work performed by our team, which developed intelligent
solutions and gained sophisticated expert knowledge.”
Jacques Pierrejean, renowned aircraft interior designer and Design
Office Manager from Pierrejean Design Studio commented: “Thanks to
the design philosophy of the evolutionary and totally adaptable
»chair« family, the concept of chair opens up an unequaled degree of
freedom for cabin interior designers and passenger wishes. It can
wear completely different colors, materials, layers and accessories
depending on the level comfort requested. »chair« is really a seat
for all of us.”