Lufthansa Technik’s ‘chair’, an innovative VIP seating solution for jets, has received its European Technical Standard Order (ETSO) certification. 

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) granted two ETSOs for the 9g certified and 16g certified ‘chair’ family. This ETSO designation can also be used for FAA TSO certification. 

With this approval production of ‘chair’ can start.

’chair’ is based on an innovative pedestal design upon which is mounted a baseline core skeleton or structure. This pedestal and structure is intentionally left incomplete, allowing designers to create a chair to meet the particular needs of a particular cabin - dining room, video lounge, office, bedroom, etc. Not only the height, width, and depth, but also the overall look-and-feel can be configured. The shape, upholstery, and padding can be selected to allow for an uncompromised interior design under one certification.

The certification process will allow Lufthansa Technik to validate changes to the ‘chair’ without intensive re-testing.  EASA testing was designed and passed to maximum dynamic load cases. This enables changes to be classified as minor deviations under the umbrella the granted ETSO.

“After achieving this major step, ‘chair’ is now officially available in the market. ‘chair’ is not just another seat, it's an innovation in aircraft seating from many points of view. We now break the paradigm of designing cabins around bulky seats to selecting the appropriate chair for any environment, just like at home,” stated Oliver Thomaschewski, Head of BU Seating and Structures. “I am very proud of the work performed by our team, which developed intelligent solutions and gained sophisticated expert knowledge.”

Jacques Pierrejean, renowned aircraft interior designer and Design Office Manager from Pierrejean Design Studio, commented: "Thanks to the design philosophy of the evolutionary and totally adaptable »chair«  family, the concept of chair opens up an unequaled degree of freedom for cabin interior designers and passenger wishes. It can wear completely different colors, materials, layers and accessories depending on the level comfort requested. ‘chair’ is really a seat for all of us.”

Lufthansa Technik is exhibiting one version of the ‘chair’ at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (Ebace), which opened today in Geneva, Switzerland. (Booth L089, hall 6).