Collins Aerospace is demonstrating its latest techniques for upgrading its Pinnacle range of airliner cabin seats this wek at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) event in Hamburg, Germany. The RTX group company has announced what it described as three different “upgrade paths,” giving aircraft operators more options to modernize cabins by having existing seats reworked.

Included in the Pinnacle Aspire upgrade is replacing all arm caps, endbay covers, seat cushions, and covers. New 10- or 11.5-inch in-flight entertainment screens can be added, as well as tablet holders and other custom items specified by the customer.

The Pinnacle Aspire+ option also includes replacing armrests and seat backs, along with more options to add improved screens, USB charging ports, bi-fold tray tables, and literature pockets. In the Pinnacle MIQ package, triple rows of seats are completely stripped down and upgraded into two-seat premium economy class units. All of these new offerings come with various color, trim, and finish options.

According to Collins, the approach introduced at the AIX show reuses significant portions of existing components to reduce waste and contribute to airlines’ recycling goals. Operators can give their cabins a fresh feel and can take the opportunity to change seating configurations to match changing demand patterns.

“Collins’ charter has always been to provide innovative solutions to our customers’ most challenging problems, designing with passenger comfort, airline efficiency, and technological integration top of mind,” said Sean Lyons, Collins Aerospace’s vice president of business development for interiors services and support. “Our large seating install base and global aftermarket support structure provides a unique opportunity to present our customers swift and elegant cabin modernization options.”

Improved Seating for Wheelchair Users

At the AIX event, which opened on Tuesday, Collins also unveiled an improved version of its Prime wheelchair seating package. The company said that design changes have been prompted by feedback from passengers with reduced mobility, as well as from airlines and technical advisors.

The Prime hardware includes all the same passenger amenities as are found on Collins’ standard passenger seats, including a height-adjustable tray table with an integrated tablet holder, power outlets, reading light, attendant call button, and public address announcement speakers. When not needed for passengers with reduced mobility, the space can be used as a flexible crew service station.

The package was first unveiled at AIX 2024 to allow passengers to be seated in their own electric wheelchairs, which are secured using the “roll on, lockdown” process commonly in use for various modes of ground transportation. The latest improvements are also intended to simplify the boarding process.

“The user experience is not only on par with flight amenities enjoyed by every other passenger, but further considerations were implemented to ensure emergency egress standards are met and a caregiver can occupy the seat directly next to the Prime user,” said Cynthia Muklevicz, Collins Aerospace’s vice president of customer and business development.