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Thompson showcases VantageXL for Discover Airlines at Red Cabin Summit

Craigavon based Thompson Aero Seating (TAS) will today be showcasing its customised VantageXL seat for Discover Airlines’ A330s for the very first time at the Red Cabin / Aircraft Cabin Innovation Summit Europe, being held 1st-3rd June at Lufthansa Seeheim, Germany.

Image courtesy Thompson

The VantageXL, which is customised for Discover Airlines, will be physically available in all its Ocean Blue incarnation. All the VantageXL business class seats for Discover Airlines feature a fully flat bed of two meters in length. There is also a business class suite in the front central column, featuring closeable doors, an even larger fully flat bed and a 32” monitor. A droppable privacy divider and joining tables for shared dining offer an unforgettable sociable experience.

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Delegates at the Red Cabin Summit will be able to see and feel the well-appointed finishing touches that give the seats an air of great sophistication – such as the accented leather buckle cover on the seat belt, wireless charger, recessed cocktail tray and logoed features. Only founded in 2021, having its first fully customised cabin is a huge milestone for Discover Airlines, which enables them to really define their branding.  

Gareth Jones, Senior Programme Manager for Thompson Aero Seating, said: “Discover Airlines announced its Ocean Blue cabin earlier this year but this is the first time that anyone will have seen and been able to fully experience the seats in person. It is only in this way that they will be able to truly understand the understated luxury and quiet sophistication of the customisation.” 

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There will be 16 ship sets in total, with 30 PAX each – 28 business class and the business suite in the centre double. FAI is due in October 2026 with the first ship set being delivered in December 2026, followed by one per month from then on. Retrofitting of the seating will begin in January 2027. 

Gareth Jones said: “These 16 aircraft represent 100% of the entire long-haul fleet for Discover Airlines. They have big ambitions and we are delighted to be able to support them at this early stage in their growth and success.”

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