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
Hexagon leaderboard
Air China Cargo increases A350F freighter order to 10

Aerospace

Air China Cargo increases A350F freighter order to 10

26 May 2026

Air China Cargo has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for four additional A350F freighters, taking its total order for the type to 10 aircraft.

Loganair signs SAF offtake agreement with ClimaHtech Green Flight

Aerospace

Loganair signs SAF offtake agreement with ClimaHtech Green Flight

26 May 2026

Loganair and ClimaHtech Green Flight today announced a 15-year Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) offtake agreement, supporting the long-term decarbonisation of regional aviation in the UK.

NMIS reveals cold spray solution for copper rocket nozzle manufacturing

Aerospace

NMIS reveals cold spray solution for copper rocket nozzle manufacturing

26 May 2026

Engineers at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) have developed a copper rocket nozzle manufacturing route using high-pressure cold spray, showcasing the technology’s potential as a large-scale, rapid additive manufacturing solution for efficiently producing high-performance components.

RIAT 2026 cancelled

Aerospace Defence Security Events

RIAT 2026 cancelled

22 May 2026

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will now not be taking place, cancelled due to issues regarding access to the event - at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East.

Advertisement
ODU RT
ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

22 May 2026

ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space industries, has announced the appointment of Andy Williams as Scotland Director.

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

Aerospace Defence Security Space

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

22 May 2026

King’s College London and Cranfield University have announced that the two universities have signed an agreement as the first step towards a merger, with the aim of bringing the two institutions together from August 2027, which will support UK national capability and resilience.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner