Thompson Aero unveils VantageNOVA, a flexible business class seating line

Thompson Aero continues to expand its line of premium cabin seating with the official unveiling of VantageNOVA. The new seating layout offers increased density for airlines, as well as flexibility in cabin design thanks to herringbone and reverse herringbone options on offer.

We have developed the VantageNOVA from the ground-up to be totally passenger-centered, coupled with an emphasis on ‘residential’ style-cues and exceedingly high comfort levels. The design team has spent many hours sculpting the surfaces to form an elegant and sophisticated silhouette. – Ross Burns, Head of Industrial Design for Thompson Aero Seating

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The first customer has been secured, though not disclosed, with expected delivery in 2026. Thompson Aero will complete the certification testing for VantageNOVA at its in-house facility in Bainbridge, Northern Ireland.

Multiple VantageNOVA layout options from a single product line

Designed to deliver direct aisle access for all passengers in a twin-aisle aircraft, VantageNOVA starts with a reverse herringbone layout for the center column of seats. They include all the expected amenities of a modern premium seat, like flexible stowage, a privacy door and wireless device charging options.

Where VantageNOVA truly differentiates itself, however, is with the outboard seating columns. Those can be delivered in either a herringbone or reverse herringbone layout.

The herringbone option places the passenger head closet to the window, allowing for increased privacy and a slightly longer bed length. The reverse herringbone design has passengers facing away from the aisle and enables a larger console surface and additional stowage options.

VantageNOVA’s increased density, staring at 40″ pitch

The design builds from a 40″ base pitch, allowing higher cabin density while maintaining a high quality passenger experience. For airlines willing to splurge a little, things get even better from there. Ryan Graham, Principal Designer of Strategic Development at Thompson Aero Seating, explains, “The efficiencies found at 40” are only amplified at more premium pitch ranges, offering a very compelling new product, wherever our customers choose to position it. This large pitch range, coupled with the choice between herringbone and reverse-herringbone on the outboards, offers our customers the most freedom of choice and maximizes our ability to meet any specific requirements we encounter with the VantageNOVA platform.”

Options galore

Thompson Aero offers myriad options for the different touchpoints within the VantageNOVA line. Multiple open and closed stowage solutions are available, for instance, along with in-suite mood lighting.

On the in-flight entertainment front the VantageNOVA seat supports screens up to 24″ in a pivoting mount. This allows gate-to-gate entertainment for travelers. In addition to wireless charging multiple AC and USB power outlet options and placements are available in the seat.

Finally, a Zero-G position is available in the seat. This tilts and lowers the body while raising the legs, placing passengers in the most relaxing position for the heart.