RTX's Innovative Seating Solutions Transform Airline Experience
Imaginative approach refreshes cabins, reduces waste and maximizes customer investment
Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, is showcasing revolutionary aftermarket seating concepts that offer contemporary upgraded solutions for airlines utilizing Collins' Pinnacle main cabin seats. This initiative is designed to rejuvenate aging cabin interiors while ensuring a swift transition to modernized seating options.
With three distinct upgrade pathways, Collins Aerospace transforms existing seats into near-new conditions, paving the way for faster market readiness, extended product lifespan, and enhanced returns on investment for operators.
Benefitting from a large, global supply of Pinnacle seats, the implementation of the refreshed cabin interiors becomes a streamlined process, allowing airlines to adapt quickly to customer preferences.
Beyond aesthetic improvements like color and trim, the upgrade paths are designed to enhance the overall passenger experience. These options include:
Pinnacle to Pinnacle Aspire
In this pathway, arm caps, endbay covers, seat cushions, and seat covers are entirely upgraded. Customers can choose from a diverse range of modern amenities such as 10-inch and 11.5-inch inflight entertainment (IFE) screens, integrated tablet holders, and more to customize their seating options.
Pinnacle to Pinnacle Aspire+
This option not only upgrades arm rests and endbays but also replaces seat backs. It includes a wider selection of premium amenities, featuring enhanced IFE screens, convenient USB charging capabilities, bi-fold tray tables, and literature pocket choices.
Pinnacle to Pinnacle MiQ
This innovative upgrade entails reconfiguring the triple seat layout into a premium economy setup, accommodating two passengers comfortably. This transformation reflects a growing demand for enhanced travel experiences among passengers.
Sean Lyons, vice president of business development for Interiors Services and Support at Collins Aerospace, emphasizes that their mission revolves around providing inventive solutions to complex challenges. "Our extensive seating installation base and global aftermarket support present exceptional opportunities to facilitate swift modifications and enhancements to cabin interiors," he stated.
This creative approach leverages a significant portion of current components to upgrade each seat, emphasizing recyclability and sustainability while maintaining the original integrity and durability of the product.
By offering flexible seating configurations, whether re-energizing existing arrangements or creating new premium economy sections, Collins provides airlines with a customizable suite of amenities designed to elevate the passenger journey, enhance brand identity, and improve revenue potential.
Collins is actively demonstrating these innovative modification concepts at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2025.
About Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace, part of RTX, is a leading provider of integrated and intelligent solutions for the aerospace and defense sectors. With a workforce of 80,000 employees, the company is dedicated to pioneering technologies that enhance sustainable and connected aviation, ensure passenger safety, improve comfort, and contribute to mission success and exploration.
About RTX
RTX stands as the world’s largest aerospace and defense company. With over 185,000 employees globally, it pushes the boundaries of technology and science to transform how communities are connected and protected. Through its renowned brands – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – RTX advances aviation, engineering integrated defense systems, and developing innovative technology solutions to tackle pressing global challenges. In the previous year, the company reported sales exceeding $80 billion, underscoring its significant presence in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key benefits of the RTX seating upgrades?
The upgrades enhance passenger comfort, extend product service life, and maximize airlines' return on investment.
How does the Pinnacle to Pinnacle Aspire upgrade work?
This upgrade replaces key components like seat cushions and covers while offering options for amenity enhancements.
What distinguishes the Pinnacle to Pinnacle MiQ upgrade?
This option reconfigures seating from a triple setup to accommodate two passengers in a premium economy space.
Where can airlines see the new seating concepts demonstrated?
The latest modifications are being showcased at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2025.
Why is sustainability emphasized in these upgrades?
The upgrade approach reuses existing components, contributing to recyclability and reducing waste in the aviation industry.
