Collins + PAC
Year
2024
Sector
PriestmanGoode supported Collins Aerospace and Panasonic Avionics Corporation to design MAYA, a next-generation business class suite. The challenge was to create a suite that offered an immersive experience with innovative features, high levels of comfort and eco-friendly credentials for tomorrow’s business class traveller.
Challenge
Collins Aerospace and Panasonic Avionics Corporation approached PriestmanGoode to support them to design a next-generation business class seat, MAYA, with the aim of creating the most advanced business class seat yet. The brief called for a design that would be sleek, modern and lightweight, while embodying a futuristic and visionary aesthetic.
PriestmanGoode was tasked with developing the strategy and design of the seat to ensure it not only provided a sensory and immersive experience with a focus on comfort and inclusivity but also incorporated cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices. The challenge was to create a seat that felt familiar and effortless to use, while pushing the boundaries of innovation, integrating sustainable materials and processes, and delivering a truly connected, tech-driven solution for the modern business traveller.
Solution
Through a series of collaborative workshops, PriestmanGoode, Collins Aerospace, and Panasonic Avionics Corporation defined the vision for MAYA, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and overall experience. These workshops allowed us to establish three key design pillars.
Next-Gen Construction
We employed sustainable design practices such as additive manufacturing, 3D knitting, and the use of sustainable composites. Our Colour, Material, and Finish team meticulously selected recycled, reusable, and plant-based materials, combining them with advanced machining techniques to minimise production waste and promote circularity. This approach ensures MAYA is not only advanced in construction but also environmentally responsible.
Seamless Immersive Experience
The MAYA seat transforms effortlessly at the touch of a button, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in digital worlds. The 45” ultra-wide IFE screen creates an entertainment experience like never before and innovative space chiller technology ensure easy access to a minibar and convenience for both passengers and crew.
Uncompromising Comfort
MAYA features a host of new technologies that can respond to biometric data or user input for optimal comfort. Double suite doors provide a wider suite opening and better access, while the electronic privacy dividers offer flexible space configurations for individual and companion travel. The seat’s melatonin-inducing red lighting and Q-Tech sound-absorbing technology, padded headboards, and full-height suite doors, provide a serene and private environment.
Additional features include accessible PCU keys, a 6.1” integrated active surface, wireless charging, PED pairing, and USB-C power outlets, ensuring that passengers stay connected. The fold-down cocktail surface adds extra functionality and allows for convenient crew service.
The entertainment delivered by the 45″ ultra-wide screen is further enhanced with headphone-less audio and seat haptics to deliver a truly immersive cinematic experience. For those wanting a more calming atmosphere, the system offers a range of ‘digital wallpapers’ that can provide a unique ambience within the suite. And with the inclusion of IntelliSense™ technology onboard, the suite will dynamically respond to passenger behaviour and provide comfort attenuation and predictive service as needed.
The MAYA seat has set new standards in business class travel. Our partnership with Collins Aerospace and Panasonic Avionics Corporation is a true collaborative effort and has produced a seat that offers an exceptional blend of comfort, technology, and sustainability.
