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
Skills Academy to open at Airbus Filton

Aerospace

Skills Academy to open at Airbus Filton

1 May 2026

Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) have announced plans for an exciting new Skills Academy in the aerospace & Defence space, located at Airbus Filton, Bristol.

Rolls-Royce wins LATAM Airlines Trent 1000 XE order

Aerospace

Rolls-Royce wins LATAM Airlines Trent 1000 XE order

30 April 2026

Rolls-Royce has been selected by LATAM Airlines to power three Boeing 787 Dreamliners with Trent 1000 XE engines.

Weston College named Technical Excellence College for Advanced Manufacturing

Aerospace

Weston College named Technical Excellence College for Advanced Manufacturing

30 April 2026

Weston College has been named as one of the country’s new Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs), securing a pivotal role in delivering high-quality training for the next generation of workers in advanced manufacturing.

Loganair to transport offshore bp workers

Aerospace

Loganair to transport offshore bp workers

30 April 2026

Loganair has secured a new multiyear contract for the provision of personnel transportation flights between Aberdeen and Sumburgh in support of bp’s North Sea operations.

Advertisement
ODU RT
IATA sees March passenger demand up as cargo demand falls

Aerospace

IATA sees March passenger demand up as cargo demand falls

30 April 2026

International Air Transport Association (IATA) data for March 2026 shows global passenger demand up 2.1%, as cargo demand falls by 4.8% due to disruption in the Middle East.

Marshall Aerospace’s medevac system to remain in service

Aerospace Defence Security

Marshall Aerospace’s medevac system to remain in service

30 April 2026

A medical evacuation system designed and delivered jointly by NODIN Aviation and Marshall Aerospace will remain in operational use under an extended agreement between Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and the Norwegian Armed Forces.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner