AIX: Thompson makes Economy a Cozy Suite

Using a staggered configuration the seat also has a patented tilting seat pan that not only helps with passenger egress but also with in-flight comfort according to sales vice president Brian Rogers.

“It’s not just a seat, it’s a new business plan for any airline customer,” he says.
And the seat is ready for 2010 production.  Rogers explains that the company has already signed up two customers, but remains tight-lipped about who they are.

Presently the seat is configured for the long-haul segment and while it weighs in at around 14kg “we’re working on reducing it to less than 12kg per passenger” says Rogers.

Thompson's Brian Rogers

While the display version has no IFE provisions Rogers says the seat has IFE capability and compatibility. “For example on a 767-400 switching to our seat would give you 14% more seats,” adds Rogers.  A standard -400 configuration would offer 182 seats.  By using Cozy it can accommodate 208 fare-paying travellers.

The company says that if the revenue per seat is $500 per day then with 300 flying days per year the Cozy would increase revenue by $150,000 per seat, per year.  Or $3.9m on its 767 example…

“The new Cozy Suite is a loot roomier and we’ve changed it to increase the comfort and living space. We have also redesigned the seat back too and now there is 30 to 50% more space,” he says.

Cozy offers each individual economy passenger shoulder room of 22” with individual armrests.  Because of the staggered design it also has a “sleeping area” where passengers can rest their heads for a more peaceful sleep.
It has what the company calls 32” of “butt to knee space”.