Attendees at this week’s RedCabin Aircraft Cabin Innovation Summit Europe were the first to see Discover Airlines’ new A330 business-class seat. The German leisure airline has selected the VantageXL seat from Thompson Aero Seating (TAS), which has been customised to suit its brand. Given that the airline was only founded in 2021, it is impressive that the airline is already investing in customised products.
Delegates at the Summit, held in Lufthansa Seeheim, Germany, were able to explore the features of the flat-bed seat, trimmed in the brand’s Ocean Blue with finishing touches including accented leather buckle covers on the seat belts, wireless chargers, recessed cocktail trays and branded elements.
Discover Airlines has also ordered the enhanced front-row option for VantageXL, with a more spacious double suite in the front central column, featuring closeable doors, a larger bed and a 32in IFE monitor. The privacy divider between the suites can be lowered and the tables joining for shared dining.
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 expected to be delivered in December 2026, followed by one ship set per month from then on. Retrofitting of the seating will begin in January 2027.
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 has 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.”
“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.”
