Vantage SOLO
In 2014, Factorydesign realised the potentially huge impact of long-range single-aisle aircraft, and identified the need for airlines to provide long haul passengers with a business class experience that matched that of a wide-body aircraft.
A full lie-flat bed and direct aisle access for all passengers was then – and remains – the minimum requirement for any contemporary, competitive business class cabin.
We analysed, created and designed a bespoke inward-facing angled seat, with window furniture and options for fixed screens and privacy doors, knowing that this would achieve the most-efficient density and the optimal passenger living space. We are thrilled that Thompson Aero shared our belief, and had the vision to develop and market Vantage SOLO.
It was important for us to design the seat with the flexibility for different privacy configurations in order to meet the different requirements of potential airline customers. Creating a seat product that was a bit of something for everyone.
On both sides of the passenger, there are carefully designed furniture pieces to maximise any space for passenger stowage and useable console surface, taking into consideration the usage requirements of the modern day flyer. We have incorporated some of the latest technology with features such as wireless charging and discrete until lit control buttons. These are discretely located within an elegant curved interface along the top chamfer of the console, giving a place for all the additional functionality options that have been designed into the seat.
The Vantage SOLO seat offers the full lie flat bed experience and 100% direct aisle access making it a competitive business class product in its own right, but tailored for narrow body single-aisle aircraft. Each seat has a width of 23.5″ between armrest and offers a 76″ fully lie-flat bed. The 20″ monitors pivot out towards the passenger and tuck away to allow easy egress in and out of the suite.
First Class for Free
First Class for Free is an innovative concept that we first implemented in our work for China Eastern Airlines’ business class. This concept revolves around the integration of the front row seat into customised front row furniture. Opening up the upper monument area creates a larger open suite without the loss of seat count in the cabin. A truly premium, enhanced offer ‘for free’. We have applied this concept to the development of SOLO, thereby offering a unique front row first class suite. Opportunities for an enhanced offer also exist at the rear row, with the option to provide a dedicated parent and baby suite or destination space such as a self-serve bar.
The first class SOLO experience is one that offers extra bed width and an immersive 32″ Monitor. The generous footprint offered to the passenger has potential future customisations to enhance the offering and here we see a backlit mini-bar offering as just one example of what can be done with the space.
