Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Thompson Aero Seating launches VantageNOVA First

Aerospace Events

Thompson Aero Seating launches VantageNOVA First

Thompson Aero Seating will be officially launching its new VantageNOVA First at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2025, 8th-10th April, Hamburg Messe.

Image courtesy Thompson Aero Seating

Seamlessly incorporated into the front row of the VantageNOVA platform, this enhanced business-class experience offers a clever first-class clever configuration suite environment for a greater sense of space and luxury, within the same footprint as an all-business-class cabin.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Star Configuration
Thompson has utilised the reverse herringbone central column to maximum effect to create a Star Configuration, providing the opportunity for four passengers travelling together to enjoy a truly unique quad experience. With the seats oriented towards the centre of the aircraft, four passengers can dine or socialise in a comfortable, practical and friendly setting for relaxed conversation. The result is a flight experience like no other, with no impact to the cabin density.

To make this possible, Thompson has created secondary seating areas, or ‘buddy seats’, in the front row. A custom-designed automatic divider retracts downwards to unite neighbouring suites and an innovative mechanism connects two tables in the centre to form one large bespoke surface, which can be activated either by the passenger or by cabin crew.

The outboard columns of the Vantage NOVA First enhanced front row can similarly be used for dual socialising and dining, with a buddy seat and a choice of either herringbone or reverse herringbone seating arrangements.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

In Bed Mode, the privacy divider can be raised and the secondary dual purpose seating areas provide an extended sleep surface for passengers to rest.

While the structure is seamlessly integrated within the business-class cabin, the CMF highlights the enhanced nature of the VantageNOVA First with a colour-break as a strong visual indicator to distinguish between the cabins. Heightened levels of luxury are presented in the VantageNOVA First with custom-created console counter tops, while distinctive, welcoming, premium-grade leather, expertly tailored throughout the seating areas, radiates warmth and sumptuousness.  

Andy Morris, Chief Commercial Officer, Thompson Aero Seating, said: “We are incredibly proud of the market’s response to our VantageNOVA platform. The launch of VantageNOVA First offers airlines even greater opportunity to provide truly unique experiences for their passengers.”

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
MTC accelerates strategic vision with non-exec appointments

Aerospace

MTC accelerates strategic vision with non-exec appointments

7 January 2026

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has appointed Natascha Engel, Professor Paul Monks CB and Professor Rachel O’Reilly MBE as non-executive directors to its board, strengthening its commitment to deliver the UK’s industrial strategy and drive innovation in advanced manufacturing.

Norton Rose Fulbright expands global aviation offering

Aerospace

Norton Rose Fulbright expands global aviation offering

7 January 2026

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has further strengthened its global aviation practice with the appointment of aviation finance partner Leo Fattorini as its Head of Aircraft Finance, Asia and the Middle East, based in Singapore.

IFS to acquire Softeon

Aerospace Defence Security

IFS to acquire Softeon

6 January 2026

IFS today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Softeon, a provider of cloud-native Warehouse Management, Warehouse Execution and Distributed Order Management solutions.

Luton Airport and University of Beds sign AI partnership

Aerospace

Luton Airport and University of Beds sign AI partnership

6 January 2026

London Luton Airport (LLA) and the University of Bedfordshire have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
STARLUX takes delivery of first Airbus A350-1000

Aerospace

STARLUX takes delivery of first Airbus A350-1000

6 January 2026

STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has taken delivery of its first of 18 A350-1000s, becoming the 11th global operator of the largest version of the A350.

Cranfield University

Aerospace

Cranfield University's NFLC secures Reach for the Sky funding

5 January 2026

Cranfield University’s National Flying Laboratory Centre (NFLC) has been successful in a bid for funding from the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund, a UK government led initiative aimed at encouraging young people into careers in the aviation sector.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB