Thompson renames VantageXL+ — it’s now the A350/787-optimised XL

HAMBURG — In a sign both of how important airframe-specific business class seat optimisation is becoming and of how crucial it is to take strategic decisions on product line nomenclature, Thompson Aero Seating is introducing an optimised version of its Vantage XL direct aisle access staggered seat for the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, and calling it “VantageXL+”. Prior to today’s announcement at the Aircraft Interiors Expo, the “+” in Thompson’s product line signified the addition of doors to any VantageXL seat.

While welcome from a density and space optimisation point of view, this new product does create nomenclature complications. This shift means that readers need to remember that, in the decade-plus between its début and April 2025, any industry reference to “VantageXL+” will mean the doored mini-suite version of the VantageXL seat, and after this date the term is more likely to refer to the optimised A350/787 version.

On the stand, the A350/787 customised seat felt like a decent improvement in space terms. Image: John Walton

On the stand at AIX, Thompson was exhibiting the centre sections of the new 787/A350 VantageXL+, and it is here that the optimisations are largely been made, rather than at the sidewalls.

“The surfaces that make up the footwell have been sculpted more closely to the seat structure with a more dramatic profile that compliments the sweeping upper portion of the seat behind the monitors,” industrial designer Reed Webb told RGN in advance of the Aircraft Interiors Expo. “This opens up the entry into the footwell and allows for more room in the footwell itself. A reconfiguration of the console has enabled us to tailor the upper entry of the footwell more closely to the monocoque to open up even more knee space and push the monitor further away from the passenger to increase the internal suite volume, as this has become more of a focus with the rise of the Zero-G/immersive relaxed position.”

A major improvement area for the A350/787 customised seat is in the footwell. Image: John Walton

In reality, the seat feels — and indeed is — about an inch more spacious at the shoulders than were previous versions, making this a smart upgrade.

The seatmaker also noted that, “as with all Thompson platforms, details such as the new sweeping top rails can be customised provided the range of usual programme constraints permit this sort of development.”

RGN discussed the new name extensively with Thompson, and most of the seatmaker’s argument seems to be that VantageXL was optimised initially for the A330, and the new 787/A350 optimised product doesn’t necessarily need to have the same branding.

“The A330 already has a seat that was designed with this platform in mind – the VantageXL. In creating the VantageXL+ we are not forgetting the A330 but including the A350 and B787,” Thompson argues in a statement to RGN. “However, that being said with any new innovation or design that we may introduce on a specific product, for example the zero-G position, we then look to if/how that can be introduced across all the product range, hence the fact that this option is now available across VantageXl, VantageXL+ and VantageNOVA.”

In some ways, the new set of nomenclature underlines the importance of offering doors across the range of a seatmaker’s product. After all, if all customers are choosing doors, is there much point in having the doored product add a plus rather than just be the standard?

RGN followed up with questions about Thompson’s related design evolution, especially around doors and what we called ‘not-doors’, referring to the range of curtains, flexible panels, fan-type screens, and other options.

“We are constantly evolving the design to reduce weight, increase passenger space, et cetera,” Thompson explains. “This has included studies into ‘not-doors’ and whilst we will continue to explore any and all options we are also mindful of the regulatory authorities and future certification challenges, as well as ensuring that any feature we develop also needs to be easily maintained and suitably robust when it enters service.”

China Southern will launch the VantageXL+ on its A350s.

Related Articles:

• Minutely adjustable seat actuation software promises comfort boost
• Thompson’s Echo CMF standardises design, simplifies supply chain
• Press Release: China Southern to launch Thompson’s VantageXL+

Featured image credited to Thompson Aero Seating

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