STELIA Aerospace introduces OPERA® ESSENTIAL
Thierry Kanengieser, VP Cabin Interior at STELIA Aerospace
STELIA Aerospace announced the launch of OPERA® ESSENTIAL at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) last week. The seat is the latest addition to the OPERA® family, integrating eco-design principles that work towards a sustainable future in aviation. The seat is designed to be lightweight and low maintenance, at 65 kg. It is ready for production pending a launch customer, Thierry Kanengieser, VP Cabin Interior at STELIA Aerospace, explained at the press briefing.
The OPERA® seat is entirely autonomous, responding to the passenger's movements. It was developed through two years of thorough lifecycle analysis and environmental impact assessment, focusing on a few key pillars: Mass optimization, streamlined electrical components, incorporation of recycled and recyclable materials.
The OPERA® ESSENTIAL
This design includes the removal of the electrical actuator and the ECU, which reduces the seat weight and its environmental impact while offering passengers full control of their comfort. There are an infinite number of positions and a quick switchover to full flat-bed mode in this long-range Business Class seat. The OPERA® ESSENTIAL comes in two different seat pitches, 36 inches and 38 inches.
Kanengieser noted that 90 percent of the carbon footprint comes from weight, which is why STELIA Aerospace has prioritized weight reduction with this seat. The OPERA® ESSENTIAL offers a 30 percent reduction in weight compared to OPERA® SA.
STELIA Aerospace's booth at AIX 2024
“We don’t believe we have to trade-off between sustainability and the passenger experience,” Kanengieser said, concluding that OPERA® ESSENTIAL strives to harmonize comfort and sustainability.
