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
Wall Colmonoy launches advanced VPIC facility in South Wales

Aerospace Defence

Wall Colmonoy launches advanced VPIC facility in South Wales

17 June 2026

Wall Colmonoy Ltd has officially launched a £2.5 million Vacuum Precision Investment Casting (VPIC) facility in South Wales, contributing to the advancement of the UK’s aerospace and defence manufacturing capability.

Gatwick launches refreshed construction frameworks

Aerospace

Gatwick launches refreshed construction frameworks

17 June 2026

Gatwick has awarded its refreshed set of Building and Civils Frameworks, appointing 11 suppliers to support the airport’s ambitious capital investment programme.

Johnson Matthey selected by Phelan Green for e-SAF plant in South Africa

Aerospace

Johnson Matthey selected by Phelan Green for e-SAF plant in South Africa

17 June 2026

Phelan Green Hydrogen has announced it has licensed technologies from Johnson Matthey Catalyst Technologies (JM CT) for its planned electro sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) facility in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Marshall Aerospace wins RAF BBMF Dakota support contract

Aerospace Defence Events

Marshall Aerospace wins RAF BBMF Dakota support contract

17 June 2026

Marshall Aerospace has won a multiyear engineering contract for ZA947, the Douglas C-47 Dakota Mk III training and display aircraft owned by the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Heathrow turns 80

Aerospace

Heathrow turns 80

16 June 2026

Heathrow marked its 80th birthday in May with strong passenger demand, as millions get ready to travel ahead of the summer peak.

Accles & Pollock expands its capabilities

Aerospace Defence

Accles & Pollock expands its capabilities

16 June 2026

West Midlands based Accles & Pollock – a trading division of Clydesdale Engineering Ltd – is further expanding its capabilities to include presswork, laser cutting and metal fabrication.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner