Two years after the reveal of the super-lightweight (4kg) Titanium Seat Neo aircraft seat (now named TiSeat E1), a proof of concept designed by Expliseat together with Peugeot Design Lab, the company has developed the TiSeat E2, a standard model for Boeing 737 aircraft. Light weight is again the focus of the design, with Expliseat saying that, compared with conventional economy class seats, the modular TiSeat E2 is 60% lighter – which could represent a weight saving of up to 1.7 tonnes or 3,750 lbs on a Boeing 737 MAX 10.
Inspired by the automotive industry
Based on the concept cars used by car manufacturers to gauge reaction to designs, Expliseat started by showcasing its seat concept to airlines in 2016. According to the company, “hundreds of experts and a dozen airlines” have tested the seat in different configurations, giving feedback which Expliseat has used to adjust the standard model of the seat.
Benjamin Saada, president of Expliseat, explained that, “to design the TiSeat E2, we radically changed our way of working. Our ambition for this product is two-fold; to go as far as the TiSeat E1, our current short-haul aircraft seat, on weight performance and to satisfy the diverse needs of as many airlines as possible.”
A modular seat
A range of features and customization options allows airlines to adjust the TiSeat E2 configuration to their needs, such as support and foam density options, seat recline, IFE or in-seat power systems, meal table dimensions, and storage areas, based on their flight durations. While TiSeat E1 has attracted regional operators such as Air Mediterranean, FlyCAA and Air Tahiti, Expliseat says that TiSeat E2 can satisfy the needs of medium-haul routes for legacy airlines, as well as the needs of low cost or regional carriers on short-haul segments.
“New aircraft are more and more versatile, today, the same aircraft can operate several short segments and then fly across the Atlantic. We had to offer a unique seat for all situations”, stated Saada.
