Jet Aviation has awarded seating contracts for single and double executive seating, as well as VIP divan products, to Collins Aerospace Systems on behalf of three undisclosed V/VIP customers. The single seats will feature Collin’s new, patented, track-mounted mini-base technology, which provides approximately 50 per cent space savings when compared to a traditional seat base.

Two of the awards are for Airbus A320 aircraft and will feature the 9g mini-base seat. The 16g seat will be installed on a Dreamliner 787. Both will be industry-first installations following recent product certifications.

Vice president of regional supply chain management EMEA Peter Balzer says: “We are pleased to offer our mutual customers new seating options and offerings. Collins Aerospace is a long-standing and trusted partner of ours. We know we can rely on its innovative and market-leading technologies to further enhance seating comfort in cabin interiors and appreciate its full support in meeting our often challenging delivery dates.”

The key feature of the mini-base seat is that the traditional base is reduced to a low-profile, track-mounted pedestal that gives the impression the seat is floating within the cabin. The mini-base installs directly onto the aircraft seat track with no need of an additional pallet. The space saving feature enhances design opportunities, provides passengers with more freedom to move around the cabin and also reduces weight.

Through its modular design, the seat provides numerous configuration possibilities and extensive options, including armrest/headrest design, upholstery choices, mechanical or electrical operation and comfort features such as massage or heating. “Our new mini-base seating provides designers and customers for all aircraft types sleeker installations and a more open cabin,” notes Collins Aerospace vice president of sales and marketing for executive aircraft interiors Ian Webb.

In addition to the seating award, Collins is also providing lighting, galley and insert products from its interiors portfolio.

As new business jet aircraft are breaking range barriers and passengers are spending more time on board than ever before, fully flat sleeping surfaces have become a necessity. Collins has added features on its Evolution series business jet seat to accommodate task-based seating and full flat berthing. Webb goes on to say: “ We set out to design a seat that specifically enhances a passenger's comfort throughout the flight, including ergonomic support of the body whether in entertainment, work, sleep or dine positions.” Passengers are cradled in a suspended lounge or ‘zero gravity’ position for maximum relaxation, while at the same time a new articulating pivoting backrest provides additional thoracic and vertebral support in dine or work mode. In addition, Evolution's patent-pending kinematic seat motion allows passengers to translate and move from a bulkhead in one single motion while retaining all the aspects of track and swivel functionality to which they are accustomed.