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TCI unveils new Crystal business suite at Farnborough Airshow

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TCI unveils new Crystal business suite at Farnborough Airshow
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TCI Aircraft Interiors | LinkedIn

FARNBOROUGH — Amid ongoing issues of overconsolidation, production problems, and quality concerns in the seatmaker and supplier industry, TCI Aircraft Interiors has expanded into the business class seat market. This move is anticipated to be well-received by airlines. Interest in TCI's new Crystal business class mockup was notably high at the Farnborough Airshow. Runway Girl Network interviewed Ahmet Ozyilmaz, TCI’s strategy and marketing manager, for more details.

Crystal is a wide forward-facing staggered seat with a door, similar to Safran Unity, Collins Horizon, or Thompson Vantage XL+. The first model of Crystal is showcased in a Boeing 777 cabin model that will be installed by launch customer Turkish Airlines from 2026. TCI is partially owned by Turkish Airlines.

The seat offers several features: a width of 22 inches, a bed length of up to 76 inches (193 cm) at a 44-inch pitch, a 22-inch Panasonic Avionics Astrova screen, wireless charging capabilities, among others.

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In terms of door height for privacy while sleeping or sitting apart from the opposite seat, it felt around mid-40 inches but exact measurements were not provided for the Turkish configuration.

The footwell accommodates even larger feet comfortably (US size 14), and the seat includes twin armrests—one on the side console and one on the center divider wall. The center divider was shown in a honeymoon layout but lacked a double-drop divider wall that could create an approximation of a double bed—a potential improvement for airlines catering to premium leisure travelers.

The displayed seats featured Turkish Airlines' choice of color schemes and materials. Although still at mockup stage with two years until mass production begins, some elements may change. The lower parts of the Crystal seat are darker than higher elements. A rippled thermoplastic element over the monitor extends into a ruched white curtain effect at one corner of the seat.

Ozyilmaz explained that these thermoplastics are supplied by Sekisui Kydex and combined with various other materials to create an appealing atmosphere in beige and brown tones. A different ripple effect covers slightly darker off-white shoulder stowage consoles.

Suppliers for fabrics and other components are currently being selected; Corian will provide marble-effect surfaces for side tables. The integration of style onto front cabin monuments blends dark chocolate brown with central beige elements and cream tops to avoid unattractive cupboard-like appearances often seen in such designs.

TCI has completed smoke, toxicity, and flammability tests internally and plans to use European or US test centers for dynamic testing as availability remains tight. They are considering building their own testing center for certification to EASA standards. Mass production is planned for 2026 when these seats will debut on Turkish Airlines’ Boeing 777s.

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