The New Premium Economy Seat Everyone’s Talking About
Joe Cortez December 10, 2019
A new economy seat design has gone viral since its debut on the final day of the Virgin Atlantic RedCabin Aircraft Cabin Innovation Summit last week. It’s certainly not the first new seat concept to make its rounds around the internet. But, more often than not, it’s because it’s a form of cruel and unusual punishment, or just a really, really bad idea.
But, this new seat design–called the “Interspace” seat and designed by New Territory–isn’t just a novel idea. Although, it’s that too. This seat design stars a fold-out panel that doubles as a place to rest your head and a way to discourage your neighbor from chatting with you or watching you chew.
Wing of the Future?
The wing is part of a slimline seat, potentially one that could be fitted in a premium economy cabin. The wing folds behind the seat before takeoff. After takeoff, the back of the seat folds inward along the middle seam to reveal the wing. And, at least in the renderings below, it looks like you can pull out wings on one or both sides of your seat for privacy and room to rest.
What Do You Think of “Interspace?”
After its debut at RedCabin, and its rounds around the web, its hard not to be interested in a seat that offers weight savings and added comfort. Although, the jury’s still out on how it will feel to put in a few hours on this particular slim design.
Breaking #aircraft interiors news: Luke Miles, Co-Founder/Creative Director @NewTerritory_io unveils the Interspace aircraft seat & new interiors company in London. Premium Expnomy travellers, rejoice! #paxex #RedCabin2019 #AvGeek #design #innovation pic.twitter.com/9G2i254IZ8
— APEX (@theAPEXassoc) December 5, 2019
“The wings offer opportunities for customization, whether in terms of simple airline branding or passenger experience-enhancing technology,” notes Stephanie Taylor of Apex.aero. “New Territory suggests that speakers could be used to create a more immersive experience.”
While the seats provide a unique look into the future, no airline has announced if they will look into the seat. The actual physical seat is still pending certification for installation by both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.
I think this is a huge win for pax. I am fairly broad shouldered and would still rather deal with a wall than the pax next to me.
They need to be 4 inches wider for comfort, given the increased size of passengers versus the reduced size of seating
I like the lateral support. Though i can get that now with my Travelrest Pillow.
For Premium Economy seats, they don't seem to have a lot of leg room..
mikec0624 Those are premium economy seats and not economy. An improvement for sure