Readers fatigued with Covid-related news will be relieved to see a story that feels more like the glorious pre-pandemic days: a new business class seat. The seat in question is Opera, being launched by Stelia Aerospace for single-aisle aircraft.
Actually, there is a Covid-19 angle, as growth in demand for point-to-point routes using long-range narrowbody aircraft is predicted post-pandemic. Rising demand is also predicted for business class seats with doors, and Opera features a fully integrated door.
The seat is designed to offer the same level of comfort as a wide-body business class model, while being optimised for the smaller cabin width of single-aisle aircraft. Comfort features include what Stelia claims is the widest full-flat bed available on a single-aisle seat, with ample foot space for further enhanced sleeping comfort. Passengers can also enjoy IFE display sizes of up to 20in, as well as generous stowage capacity including a closed amenity stowage and a zone to keep a laptop; a large and stable meal table, stowed under the cocktail table; adjustable armrests and ambient light.
Stelia’s engineers have also got involved in the seated comfort aspects, developing a smooth mechanism and smart ergonomics. They have also paid attention to efficiency, with a simplified design for weight and cost optimisation, as well as easy installation and wiring of screens.
Thierry Kanengieser, VP of cabin interiors at Stelia Aerospace said, “With Opera, airlines operating single-aisles on transcontinental routes can offer their customers the outstanding level of comfort they can find on wide-bodies. Combining design and efficiency, this brand new seat is a major step forward for our industry, creating an enhanced passenger experience and high added value for airlines”.
