Thompson Aero Seating will be officially launching its new VantageNOVA First business class experience at AIX 2025.
The enhanced business-class experience, seamlessly incorporated into the front row of the VantageNOVA platform, has a clever configuration that provides a greater sense of space and luxury within the same footprint as an all-business-class cabin.
Thompson has created a “Star Configuration” by using the reverse herringbone central column to maximum effect. With the seats oriented towards the centre of the aircraft, the configuration offers the opportunity for four passengers travelling together to enjoy a unique quad experience, dining or socialising in a comfortable, practical and friendly setting for relaxed conversation. The company says there is no impact to the cabin density.
Thompson says that, to make this possible, it has created secondary seating areas, or ‘buddy seats’, in the front row with custom-designed automatic divider retracting downwards to unite neighbouring suites. An innovative mechanism connects two tables in the centre to form one large bespoke surface. This can be activated either by the passenger or by cabin crew.
In addition, the outboard columns of the Vantage NOVA First enhanced front row can be used for dual socialising and dining, with a buddy seat and a choice of either herringbone or reverse herringbone seating arrangements.
In the suite’s bed mode, the privacy divider can be raised and the secondary dual purpose seating areas provide an extended sleep surface.
The VantageNOVA First features custom-created console counter tops, distinctive and welcoming premium-grade leather, expertly tailored throughout the seating areas. Andy Morris, Chief Commercial Officer, Thompson Aero Seating, commented: “We are incredibly proud of the market’s response to our VantageNOVA platform. The launch of VantageNOVA First offers airlines even greater opportunity to provide truly unique experiences for their passengers.”
Thompson Aero Seating will be providing personal tours at its stand 7A02 at Aircraft Interiors Expo taking place in Hamburg from 8 to 10 April 2025.
Added Features of the Vantage NOVA First
- Large stowage, designed to fit a mid-size carry on
- Deployable cocktail table and integrated wireless phone charger.
- A wide variety of carefully considered customisable stowage areas
- Selection of lighting options including ambient, feature and mood lights
- 32” IFE monitor integration enabled
- Manual or automatic suite doors
- Extended sleeping surfaces
- Optional features include ‘zero G’ seat mechanism, seat heating and cooling
