A new lightweight meal tray produced by Flitetec, part of the STAG Group Aircraft Interiors Division, has been developed in conjunction with “a leading interiors company”. According to Flitetec, benefits of the tray include added rigidity when incorporated into the seat unit and a weight saving of over 25% per tray. Taking the example of a 210 seat Airbus 320, this saving adds up to an overall weight reduction of 42kg per aircraft. An initial order for 3,500 trays has already been placed to support a leading airline.
Design enhancements have been achieved through the use of vacuum-formed plastic moldings, reduced metal content in support slides and a new printing process. Using print technology from RACE Completions, a permanent, tamper-proof image is achieved with direct printing into the moldings to a depth of up to 0.25mm. Enhanced visibility of messages or graphics is a benefit, and costs / inventory are reduced as additional labelling during aircraft fit out is not required. Applications include over-wing exit seats, where emergency exit instructions are printed directly into the seatback tray. All materials used in the tray unit comply with Section 25.853 of Part 25 of the FAR requirements including smoke toxicity.
