A slick new Economy Class airline seat from Factorydesign

Factorydesign has designed the Sabre Economy Class airline seat for start-up Italian seat manufacturer Optimares.

The Sabre seat

The seat, which made its debut at the Hamburg Aircraft Interiors Expo, ‘will soon be flying with its launch customer’, says Optimares.

The Sabre seat features a carbon-fibre semi-fixed back shell, with only the headrest portion of the seat moving back in the reclining position.

The Sabre seat

The seat pan and lumbar area, meanwhile, moves forwards and gently down which, says Factorydesign, ‘offers the passenger higher than typical recline angles, while shin clearance remains constant, inviting the passenger to stretch their legs underneath the seat in front’.

Factory says the seat design ‘allows the passenger to enjoy a constant personal space throughout the flight, regardless of the reclining position of the passenger in front’.

The Sabre seat

The only movement visible to the passenger behind, according to Factory, is a slight movement of the monitor, which won’t affect the visibility of the screen.

The consultancy says the new seat ‘removes the claustrophobic effect of previous generations of fixed-back seats’.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFv5NrcuWaM

Hide Comments (6)Show Comments (6)
Comments
  • David Smith November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    My first impression is that this design does look exceptionally aggressive and styled really to suit a corporate business environment. I guess the proof is in the pudding, and I haven’t actually sat in this chair to judge it, so take what I say with a pinch of salt. I think I would prefer some kind of sofa based design, which is communal but comfortable. You could share a single screen in the middle and have a single remote for that authentic family vibe.

  • Paul Hooper November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Whilst I do agree with the first of David’s (1:13pm) comments above I take it that the last couple of thoughts are slightly tounge in cheek? A sofa style – really? I guess the reclining aspect could be interesting as long as yourself and the person that you are sitting next too, but do not even know, do not mind snuggling up to each other. Mile high anyone? ; )

  • James Hogan November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    The ‘sofa’ idea might not be so crazy looking at this futuristic interior concept: http://youtu.be/WNpVHj8WiM8

  • Amanda November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    I also agree with David’s initial comments and also Paul’s about getting cosy with your neighbour. They’re a great solution for short haul flights but for long haul maximum cushiness is essential! I do think current seats for mega planes like the A380’s could be streamlined to eek that little bit more room in bucket class. I’d pay a little more for an economy seat that had a better recline, was well padded, an increased range of headrest adjustment, and a better footrest setup so you could combine & move individual seat parts to make a sofa with your neighbour- if you know them 🙂 Air NZ has an interesting platform set up with economy seats but they can be further improved.

  • Ben Feridooni November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    It says at the top that its for economy class passengers – it’s about time they were thought about as paying customers not just people that are herded together as cattle. Although one question I do have, what happens when an oversize gentleman or woman, bearing in mind has paid extra for the seat, wants to sit down?? Could get quite entertaining!

  • Random Number November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    I thought at least one person should make a comment about what the point of this whole thing is.

    I could think of nothing worse than sharing my screen with some random let alone my family, it’s hard enough at home.

    The main problem with economy compared with business is lack of leg room and annoying passengers in front of you bouncing back and forth as if they’re on some kind of rowing machine. I think this design addresses these issues rather successfully. Great choice of material nice and light for an air craft.

    Whilst we’re saying the first thing that pops into your head why don’t we try cramming in a Jacuzzi next to your bulky sofas. It’s called economy for a reason.

  • Post a comment

Latest articles