New airplane seat for more privacy and comfort
“Interspace” is a new seat design comes with an
innovative solution for uncomfortable economy seats, using "padded
wings" that fold out from behind both sides of the seat back -- allowing
both for additional privacy and a
cushioned spot to rest heads for some shut-eye.
The wings on Interspace fold manually in and out of
the chair. This allows for a streamlined look, and easy access to move up and
down the row.
One or both wings can be utilized, depending on
passenger preference. New Territory stresses the wings are robust and sturdy. Sitting on the seat with both wings up, people
are immediately struck by the newly gained privacy. Leaning against one wing, as you would if you tried to sleep, is
also surprisingly comfy.
Background of the
innovation
Interspace has been developed by Universal Movement, a spin-off from
London-based design company New Territory and it premiered
in London this week as
part of the Aircraft Cabin Innovation summit 2019.
Interspace is the brainchild of Luke Miles, New
Territory's founder and chief creative officer. He spent three years working as
Head of Design at Virgin Atlantic, so he knows his aircraft interiors inside
out. He'd noticed how innovative airplane cabin
designs usually focus on business or first class experiences and he wanted to
come up with a way to make the cheap seats comfier.
The seat prototype on show at the launch was a carbon
fiber, lightweight design -- but the designer insists the wings could be fitted
to most existing seats, whatever their material. They are in conversation with a few carriers that have shown an interest.
In fitting with the trend towards more personalized,
data-driven flying experiences, New Territory is keen to add facial recognition
technology to the mix too.
The idea is that as the seat wing recognizes that
you've fallen asleep, it'll automatically turn off the movie playing on your
IFE.
Lea Müllauer & Stefanie Gumpinger
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