STELIA Aerospace has premiered its new premium business class seat, Opera, a reverse herringbone seat designed explicitly for single-aisle aircraft.
The seat has been Stelia’s focus since 2019 and is the company’s response to the launch of the Airbus A321XLR at that year’s Paris Air Show.
The company hopes to make the seat available from early 2021, with the initial technical coordination meeting, ICTM, set for the first quarter. A launch customer has not been confirmed.
According to Stelia, Opera “offers the highest standard wide-body comfort on single-aisle.” The design incorporates feedback from frequent flyers, with one such redesign being the closed amenity side stowage door which has been shortened to prevent disturbing any items placed underneath on the cocktail table.
Thierry Kanengieser, VP Cabin Interior, 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.”
The seat has a standard pitch of 38-inches, although 36-inches may also be possible. The bed, ‘the widest full-flat bed available on single-aisle,’ extends out to 78.5 inches (6’5”) and has a seat pan width of 21.5 inches. There is also a 34-inch space at knee level, with ample foot space, allowing even the tallest of passengers an undisturbed sleep even when turning over.
Other features include an extra-large, fixed 20-inch monitor screen with IFE remote control, a large and stable meal table, stowed under the cocktail table, extra stowage capacity: a closed amenity stowage and a laptop stowage zone, and increased privacy with a fully integrated door. Additionally, there are adjustable armrests and ambient light.
Particular attention has been given to the interior trimmings of each seat with soft and warm materials, smooth mechanism and smart ergonomics, for a tailored and interactive passenger experience. Airlines will also be to customise certain elements depending upon preference.
Stelia says the overall approach to Opera, has been a simplified design, for weight and cost optimisation as well as easy installation and wiring of screens.
