Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • F1 tech and innovative design to enhance airline passenger experience

Aerospace Events

F1 tech and innovative design to enhance airline passenger experience

Williams Advanced Engineering and JPA Design have joined together to revolutionise future aircraft interiors through the application of innovative design and Formula One-derived technology.

Above: The ROKiT Williams Racing FW42 car within a JPA Design-invented business class seat layout. 

As airlines invest in new, lighter aircraft made of composite materials, such as carbon fibre in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350, there is still great potential to make a step-change in cabin layout, passenger comfort, fuel-saving and carbon emission reductions, compared to existing, traditional approaches, through the application of new interior design and lightweight materials.  This partnership looks to capitalise on this potential through using proprietary technologies from both parties to save weight, whilst increasing comfort and space.

Advertisement
ODU RT

 
Further details about the partnership will be revealed at the Passenger Experience Conference (1st April 2019) and the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2019 (AIX 2nd-4th April 2019) in Hamburg, Germany.
 
Ben Orson, Managing Director of JPA Design London and Stu Olden, Senior Commercial Manager of Williams Advanced Engineering will speak at the conference.  Subsequently, the companies will showcase an example of the innovative new technology on offer to airlines and their passengers at the Expo on the ADS stand, in the UK Pavilion, Hall B3 Upper of the Hamburg Messe.
 
Advertisement
ODU RT

“Our work with Williams Advanced Engineering will deliver truly revolutionary advances to the air travel industry, both onboard new aircraft and retrofitted to existing aeroplanes,” said James Park, Founder and Principal of JPA Design.  “The fruits of this partnership will offer our customers better use of the space in their cabins, enhanced comfort and functionality for their passengers and a boost to airline profitability.  This is all delivered through reduced cost of ownership due to weight savings onboard together with lower installation and maintenance costs.”
 
The partnership between the two companies aims to create a UK capability for aircraft interior products to be delivered worldwide through the application of Formula One-derived technology from Williams and the cabin design experience of JPA Design.  Airlines will benefit through the more efficient use of space onboard and lighter interior equipment to enhance further the reduction in fuel consumption offered by modern aircraft.  Passengers will benefit through a more spacious cabin and enhanced comfort for their journey due to the innovative design of the interior and seating.
 
“The innovative use of lightweight materials, rapid product development and the maximisation of available space is very much at the heart of the work we do commercialising Formula One-derived technology,” said Craig Wilson, Managing Director of Williams Advanced Engineering.  “We are very much looking forward to unveiling to the world further developments from our work with JPA Design in Hamburg in April.  Airlines and their passengers everywhere will benefit from this exciting new partnership between the best of British design and engineering.”


 

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Heathrow unveils World of Opportunity winners

Aerospace

Heathrow unveils World of Opportunity winners

27 April 2026

Heathrow has revealed the 12 winners of its annual World of Opportunity (WOO) competition, showcasing the breadth of innovation and ambition that underpins Britain’s export economy.

Andy Armstrong appointed MD of FANUC UK and Ireland

Aerospace

Andy Armstrong appointed MD of FANUC UK and Ireland

27 April 2026

Factory automation specialist FANUC has named Andy Armstrong as the new Managing Director of FANUC UK and FANUC Ireland, effective immediately.

Britten-Norman advances airborne BN2T-4S 5G integration

Aerospace

Britten-Norman advances airborne BN2T-4S 5G integration

27 April 2026

Britten-Norman has delivered a key milestone in its collaboration with World Mobile Stratospheric, with the BN2T-4S Islander aircraft supporting the programme now prepared for the next phase of system integration.

Bristol Airport launches 2026 innovation fund

Aerospace

Bristol Airport launches 2026 innovation fund

27 April 2026

Bristol Airport has announced the next phase of funding of the Aviation Carbon Transition (ACT) Programme, a pioneering initiative designed to fast-track decarbonisation projects targeting Scope 3 emissions from flight and transport.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Airbus delivers first A321XLR for Air Canada

Aerospace

Airbus delivers first A321XLR for Air Canada

24 April 2026

The first of 30 Airbus A321XLRs for Canada’s flag carrier Air Canada, has been delivered.

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

24 April 2026

UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the government’s export credit agency – has announced a new partnership with Finance for Forces to help more veteran-led businesses access the finance they need to grow internationally.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner