UK-headquartered Unum Aircraft Seating, which manufactures sustainable business class seats, has landed £3.5 million in funding from ACF Investors, which invested in Veremark and Sonichem.
The funding will enable Unum to accommodate business growth, expand its team, and further research and development of new manufacturing processes.
Tim Mills, Managing Partner at ACF Investors, said: “Chris is a proven leader in the airline interiors industry, and his track record in founding and scaling aircraft seating businesses is second to none. We’re excited to back a true industry innovator, one that prioritises sustainability and customer comfort and is delivering such an exceptional product.”
What challenge does it tackle?
Airline seats constitute 10% of an aircraft’s operating weight and optimising in-flight cabin weight can generate fuel savings. Eventually, the demand for lightweight business class seating is a rapidly growing segment of the airline interiors market and it is forecasted to have a CAGR of 25%.
Resolving this challenge, Unum Aircraft Seating provides seats that weigh 79kg compared to the industry average of 110kg, offering a solution for lowering the industry’s fuel costs and emissions.
What does the company do?
Founded in 2020 by Chris Brady alongside a team with decades of experience in cabin product and seat development, Unum Aircraft Seating provides the much-needed capacity for the business class seating sector through its smart, adaptable, and reliable design. Its lie-flat seats offer a wider, longer bed and more spacious side furniture within the same cabin, allowing airlines to cater to the growing business-class market without sacrificing passenger capacity. The company’s integrated design and in-house manufacturing capabilities also speed up time to market, enabling it to address this growing demand.
The Unum One family of lie-flat business class seats delivers a consistent passenger experience across single and twin-aisle aircraft, offering superior comfort and refinement. Unum Two shares many of the features in a forward-facing layout.
Recently, the company received regulatory approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and moved its operations to a new London Gatwick factory facility.
Chris Brady, CEO of Unum Aircraft Seating, said: “We set up Unum to provide much-needed capacity to the business class seating sector. We want to be the most trusted aircraft seating supplier in the world and to set a new standard for passenger-focused and responsibly-made seats. This investment is a vote of confidence in our commitment to enhancing the passenger experience for business-class travellers.”
What do we think about Unum Aircraft Seating?
With its sustainable and lightweight business class seats, is poised to revolutionise the airline interiors market. Its approach reduces fuel costs and emissions, addressing a critical industry challenge.
The experienced leadership and recent funding underscore their potential to become a trusted supplier in the market. With regulatory approval and a new facility, Unum is well-positioned for significant growth and impact.
