Futuristic aircraft seat unveiled

By Oliver Smith Designs for a futuristic aircraft seat aimed at gaming fanatics have been unveiled in Germany this week. A prototype of the “NFW (Not for Wimps)” concept seat is currently on display at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. The design features a large arc made from lightweight materials, including composite Kevlar and carbon fibre, that rises from the top of a “bucket” seat, extends above the passenger, and holds a state-of-the-art monitor. The gaming station would also work as a “docking station”, allowing passengers to use their own devices. The seat was created by the British manufacturers Contour Aerospace Ltd and Factorydesign and is expected to appeal to young technophiles. “NFW is designed to appeal to customers who would rather spend their time on long-haul flights locked in a gaming or viewing experience rather than dropping off to sleep,” said Adam White, director of Factorydesign. “I can see certain, more adventurous airlines dividing off a part of the J class cabin (business class) and rolling out a couple of rows of these seats.” He added that the lightweight design would also provide considerable fuel savings for the airline. Bob Lovell, Contour’s technical sales directory, said: “People can’t place an immediate order for the NFW but we are hoping to stimulate much debate with the airlines at the Expo. “We want to know whether such radical thinking is viable.” The Aircraft Interiors Expo (www.aircraftinteriorsexpo.com) takes place in Hamburg from April 5-7. Last year's event saw the unveiling of the controversial Skyrider "saddle seat", designed to squeeze more passengers into economy class cabins. It followed suggestions by Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, that the airline might introduce "vertical seating" – a proposal scuppered by European aviation authorities. Meanwhile, Air New Zealand launched its new economy “Skycouch” on Saturday, on a flight from London to Los Angeles. The “Skycouch” is a row of three seats that can be flattened to create “a lie-flat, flexible space” aimed at couples and young families.