An aeroplane seat manufacturing company with premises in Banbridge and Portadown has launched a new business class seat.
Thompson Aero Seating say the new VantageNOVA seat is a sign of its significant investment in engineering infrastructure in recent months.
The new seat has been made with large, twin aisle aircraft in mind, and is angled to help increase the privacy and space for passengers.
It follows the firm’s first fully-flat bed seat, the Vantage, which was launched 20 years ago.
Thompson Aero Seating said that the new seat is “already in great demand among airlines”, and that it is increasing its engineering capabilities to provide the necessary supply.
The company launched a dynamic test facility in Banbridge last year, which allows it to do full-scale crash testing in NI.
Thompson Aero Seating says it has increased engineering capacity by 33% this year, and has hired engineers from varied fields such as marine, automotive and agriculture, to provide fresh perspectives.
It says it plans to grow capacity even more, targeting a 30% increase in 2025.
The company has also invested in its engineering infrastructure recently, launching a dynamic test facility in Banbridge last year, which allows it to do full-scale crash testing in NI.
Jonny McGreevy, vice president engineering at Thompson Aero Seating, said: “Our range of premium aircraft seating is phenomenally successful and now our newest seat, the VantageNOVA, is in huge demand.
“We have a wealth of own-grown talent and engineering expertise specifically relating to aviation but we still need greater capacity.
“This could include engineers from various backgrounds such as mechanical, electrical, product development, engineering management, mechatronics, aeronautical, agricultural or automotive, to carry out a range of end-to-end tasks from product development; bid management and concept creation to 3D part-creation and designing; digital mock-up management; and airworthiness reporting.
“Thompson is looking to fulfil these roles with a blend of engineering capabilities via a range of talents from graduate engineers through to experienced engineers and airworthiness specialists.”
Laura McCarthy, engineering HR manager at Thompson Aero Seating, added: “The strength of the team at Thompson is partly in its diverse nature.
“We have engineers of all ages and levels of experience, from all sector backgrounds.
“This gives us a full perspective of innovation and expertise that enables us to remain agile and right at the cutting edge of engineering achievement.”