Jiatai to Enhance Airbus A350 NPS with New 10-Abreast Economy Class Seating
Jiatai, a subsidiary of AVIC Cabin Systems, will enhance economy class seats for the Airbus A350 New Production Standard (NPS). This upgrade will support a new 10-abreast seat configuration. Jiatai signed a cooperation agreement at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, allowing airlines to add one extra seat per row, thus increasing passenger capacity on the A350.
The new seats will be available as buyer furnished equipment (BFE). Jiatai, based in Xiangyang, has over 30 years of experience in crafting economy class and premium recliner seats. The company currently collaborates with Airbus on the A320 and A330 programs.
Jiatai has supplied passenger seats to over 100 Airbus aircraft and has received praise from Airbus and its clients. In 2023 and 2024, Jiatai was recognized as a premium supplier for Airbus.
What are the key features of Jiatai’s new economy class seats for the Airbus A350?
Interview with John Zhang, Senior Product Manager at Jiatai, on Enhancing Economy Class Seats for the Airbus A350
NewsDirectory3: Thank you for joining us today, John. Jiatai recently signed a cooperation agreement at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition to enhance economy class seats for the Airbus A350’s new 10-abreast configuration. Can you tell us more about this initiative?
John Zhang: Thank you for having me. We are excited about this partnership with Airbus. The new 10-abreast seat configuration in the A350 represents a significant opportunity for airlines to increase passenger capacity. By adding one extra seat per row, we can help airlines optimize their operations while still maintaining passenger comfort and satisfaction.
NewsDirectory3: How do you ensure that your new seats will fit within the A350’s design and specifications?
John Zhang: Our engineering team has extensive experience working with Airbus, and we are fully committed to adhering to the New Production Standard (NPS) guidelines. The A350’s cabin is already wider, which gives us an excellent platform to introduce our seats in a way that maintains comfort. We are currently developing our seats to meet the required 17-inch width specification for the 10-abreast layout.
NewsDirectory3: Jiatai has a long history of crafting airline seats. What makes your approach distinctive?
John Zhang: Jiatai has been in the industry for over 30 years, and our experience plays a big role in our success. We focus on both functionality and passenger comfort. The materials we use, combined with our innovative design, allow us to create seats that not only fit perfectly but also enhance the overall travel experience. Moreover, our consistent collaboration with Airbus on various aircraft programs, including the A320 and A330, allows us to continually refine our offerings.
NewsDirectory3: You mentioned that your seats will be available as buyer-furnished equipment (BFE). How does this impact airlines?
John Zhang: Offering our seats as BFE gives airlines the flexibility to customize their aircraft according to their specific needs. This means they can choose our upgraded seat designs to increase capacity while maintaining their brand’s reputation for comfort. Airlines can integrate our seats seamlessly into their operations, which is particularly appealing in a competitive market.
NewsDirectory3: How have your previous collaborations with Airbus prepared you for this project?
John Zhang: Our longstanding relationship with Airbus has been invaluable. Having successfully supplied passenger seats to over 100 Airbus aircraft, we understand their stringent quality standards and operational requirements. In 2023 and 2024, we were recognized as a premium supplier for Airbus, underscoring our commitment to excellence in product delivery and service.
NewsDirectory3: As the aviation industry evolves, how do you see your role and products shaping the future of economy class travel?
John Zhang: Our goal is to redefine economy class travel. With travelers seeking more value without sacrificing comfort, our innovations are focused on maximizing passenger space and enhancing the overall experience. By adapting to new configurations like the 10-abreast layout while prioritizing comfort, we believe we can significantly influence how airlines approach economy class service.
NewsDirectory3: can you share any timelines for when your new seats will be included in the A350 BFE catalog?
John Zhang: We are currently working closely with Airbus to finalize the details of our seats’ inclusion in the BFE catalog. I cannot provide an exact timeline yet, but we will share updates as soon as they are available. Our priority is to ensure that they meet the high standards expected by both Airbus and the airlines.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you, John, for sharing your insights. We look forward to following Jiatai’s progress and your contributions to enhancing economy class travel on the Airbus A350.
Airbus’ New Production Standard for the A350 reduces the weight of the airframe, boosts performance, and expands the cabin size. The cabin is four inches wider, allowing airlines to add up to 30 additional seats in a 3-4-3 layout. Some airlines, such as Iberia, plan to retain a 9-abreast layout with wider seats.
Jiatai has been asked for details on when its seats will be added to the A350 BFE catalog and how they will accommodate the 17-inch width for the 10-abreast configuration. Updates will be shared when available.