May 29, 2024

Thompson’s Vantage seating family inspires at AIX

Aircraft Interiors Expo, Hamburg, day one – Visitors to stand 7A02 today have been treated to experiencing the entire and growing Vantage premium seating range, showcased by Thompson Aero Seating.

The original Vantage, the VantageXL, VantageSOLO and VantageDUO have all been given a new aesthetic under Project Echo. This is an exploration by the colour, materials, and finish (CMF) team at Thompson into an often-over-looked area of seating design. Inspired by the heritage and culture of Northern Ireland, along with the glorious colours of the local surroundings, the team have captured the spirit of the land and translated it into a new brand aesthetic.

The Vantage seating range includes products designed for all Airbus and Boeing single- and twin-aisle aircraft platforms, with people-centric solutions to maximise passenger comfort, privacy and personal space. Every inch of cabin real estate is optimised utilising both forward-facing and angled configurations.

Andy Morris, Chief Commercial Officer at Thompson Aero Seating says: “Day one has seen great excitement on the Thompson stand. Our seats have always been known for being a premium product with the highest quality of design, engineering and manufacture. The new trim and finish, along with our continual innovation of all our seats, makes for an inspirational experience on our stand.”

Vantage

The Vantage was the original fully flat business-class seat first introduced by Thompson in 2005. In 2024 it still offers incredible comfort with maximised cabin density, for both single- and twin-aisle aircraft. The redesign under Project Echo has introduced a lighter outer shell with a darker inner core. This, married with natural stones and lighter woods, gives a distinct aura of quality.

VantageXL

The ultimate in passenger comfort for twin-aisle aircraft, the VantageXL is available with ‘first class for free’ at the same density. These enhanced front-row suites enable a first-class experience at the same density as a traditional all-business-class cabin, with dual and even quad dining and socialising made possible by actuated dividers that transform two private suites into one double-sized option. The work under Project Echo has given the VantageXL an air of subtle confidence with an intense dark surround and sumptuous leather inner. The enhanced front row conveys first class with deep moss-greens and velvety suedes.

VantageDUO

Fully relaxed without being fully flat, the VantageDUO introduces the Immersive-Relaxed-Position, suspending the passenger in a neutral posture to increase the feeling of weightlessness. The VantageDUO has been designed and engineered to bring maximum comfort to the long-range single-aisle market, with no compromise on density. The new CMF for the VantageDUO also cocoons the passenger with Project Echo introducing a dark fabric wrapping, highlighted with a lighter inner seat and light stone worktops. Premium leathers bring a feel that is as good as the look.

VantageSOLO

The VantageSOLO offers fully flat business class without compromise for single-aisle aircraft and is also available with ‘first class for free’ at the same density. Thanks to Project Echo the CMF options now correlate with the changing offering, defining each category of seat. The enhanced front row of the VantageSOLO uses soft tan leather as a pop of colour.

Guinness gathering

Of course, no trip to AIX would be the same without Thompson’s now legendary Guinness gathering. Visitors will be able to enjoy traditional Irish entertainment to round off days one and two in style. The Thompson team look forward to welcoming everyone to the stand.

-ends-