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A Lufthansa First Class “Allegris” cabin was showcased outside the event, highlighting the latest in airline luxury.
The competing demands for enhanced comfort in first- and business-class environments, featuring heated or cooled seats, ultra-high-definition screens, convertible beds, all-aisle access, and privacy doors, are presenting challenges for major aircraft manufacturers. Issues related to the certification of intricate cabin components have hindered the timely delivery of new aircraft.
Boeing has revealed that it is facing delivery delays of its 787 Dreamliner, a twin-aisle jet utilized for some of the longest routes globally. CEO Kelly Ortberg outlined these setbacks during a Barclays industry conference, noting that seats, which are typically added later in the assembly process, are holding up deliveries from their South Carolina facility.
The airline industry is becoming increasingly competitive, with carriers striving to attract high-end customers by offering additional comforts and improved space, even if it’s just a few extra inches.
“The certification process for these seats is complex,” Ortberg remarked, explaining that it’s not just the seating arrangements that require approval but also the cabinets and doors for first and business classes. These components involve sophisticated systems, causing delays in timelines.
Similar circumstances are impacting Airbus, as described by the CEO of the European manufacturer, Guillaume Faury. He acknowledged that delays in seat production as well as other cabin modules, such as galleys and closets, are affecting the overall delivery time of new aircraft.
Both Boeing and Airbus hold significant shares of the commercial aircraft market, and timely aircraft deliveries are essential for cash flow, as manufacturers typically receive substantial payments upon delivery rather than at the time of order.
Challenges in Certification
With strict regulations governing the airline industry, new seat designs and cabin layouts must obtain approval from regulatory bodies before being utilized. Safety protocols require that passengers can exit seats safely in emergencies, ensuring that any newly designed cabin features meet necessary standards.
The ongoing pandemic has exacerbated supply chain issues and labor shortages, resulting in delays for many aircraft awaiting certification. Recently, significant cuts to the Federal Aviation Administration’s workforce have raised concerns about staffing levels that could potentially impede certification processes.
Airlines stand to gain significant revenue from implementing state-of-the-art seating in their front cabins. For instance, Delta Air Lines was observed selling standard economy tickets from New York to Paris for approximately $816, whereas tickets for their premium Delta One service on the same route soared to about $5,508.
Additionally, newer aircraft possess longer operational ranges compared to older models, facilitating the launch of new nonstop routes for various airlines.
Henry Harteveldt, founder of Atmosphere Research Group, highlighted the frustrations stemming from ongoing delays, commenting, “No one is happy right now,” in reference to airlines awaiting the arrival of their new premium aircraft.
Business class seats are engineering marvels, often consisting of about 1,500 individual components, making weight a critical consideration in an industry that prioritizes fuel efficiency.
Recaro, a leading seat manufacturer, produces its R7 business class seat at a weight of approximately 80 kilograms (about 176 pounds). The challenge lies in minimizing weight while ensuring aesthetic appeal, as noted by Harteveldt.
Flag carrier Swiss has identified that the installation of new seat models has affected the center of gravity in some of its aircraft, necessitating design modifications and the potential introduction of a “weight plate” prior to commercial flight.
The Luxury Travel Surge
The emerging business class seats entail significant investments, often costing in the low six figures which, when compared to luxury car prices, reflects their premium appeal. Airlines are increasingly convinced that these enhancements are justified, especially as customer demand for premium seating experiences has surged post-pandemic.
Data from Delta indicated that a mere 43% of its revenue in the previous year was derived from standard cabin sales, while premium seats and loyalty programs constituted the remaining 57%. This marks a shift from 2010 when the majority of revenue came from the main cabin.
Global airlines are innovating their front cabin offerings, with companies like Qantas, Delta, American Airlines, JetBlue, and Lufthansa actively working on upgrades. Lufthansa’s new Allegris cabins on its Boeing 787s are currently stalled in certification processes.
Singapore Airlines has announced plans to introduce first-class seating on its extended flights exceeding 17 hours, aiming to elevate the standards of comfort and luxury.
Meanwhile, American Airlines has been awaiting approval for new seating designs for its wide-body aircraft, including the 787-9 Dreamliner. The airline’s spokesperson indicated that approval for these suites on their upgraded fleet is anticipated shortly, with a keen focus on improving supply chain efficiency amid industry pressures.
CEO Robert Isom emphasized the importance of collaboration with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of necessary equipment, reflecting the tight constraints currently faced within the industry.
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