Multiple reports earlier this week tied delivery delays of Lufthansa‘s new 787 aircraft to certification challenges with the new Allegris business class seats for that aircraft. Collins Aerospace, the manufacturer of those seats, has now confirmed that issue.
In a statement issued to PaxEx.Aero a company spokesperson shared, “Collins continues to work closely with its OEM partners, customers and regulators in support of the ongoing certification and delivery process.” That the certification and delivery process is “ongoing” leaves the timeline for resolution frustratingly open-ended.
First announced in 2017, and expected to fly on the 777X in 2020, the Allegris program has been beset by delays ever since.
Boeing‘s certification issues came first, followed by COVID-19, and supplier manufacturer delays like this one. The program has been behind schedule basically since the day it was announced.
Of note, Collins is also the manufacturer of the First Class Suites for Allegris. That product was sufficiently delayed that the carrier ultimately flew its initial Allegris-configured A350s without the cabin installed so it could get the planes into service.
By March 2025 Lufthansa expects to have three A350s fully fitted, enough to guarantee the configuration on three routes. And to charge for the different Allegris seating types as a result.
These seats are incredibly complex. Each iteration brings new and interesting design and build challenges to the fore.
Crash-test certification rules remain strict, and ever more complicated as the variations in cabin layout play out.
Or, as one industry professional lamented, “This is truly bafflingly bad for everyone.”
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