Butterfly
Butterfly is a flexible seating solution that allows instant transformation between premium economy/regional business class, and long-haul flatbed suites. It gives operators the flexibility to adjust cabin configuration based on real-time demand for each journey, allowing them to make the most efficient use of precious space while maximizing passenger appeal. This innovative concept has won the prestigious Crystal Cabin Award, IATA's Passenger Innovation Award, and was selected into the first season of Airbus Bizlab accelerator. Lars Rinne, our commercial director, explains the Butterfly Concept:
Two for One
Each suite is composed of two seats in a staggered arrangement. When both seats are upright, Butterfly functions as a premium economy or regional business class product. The staggered arrangement of gives passengers increased effective width since their elbows are offset from one another.
Metamorphosis
Like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, the seat transforms into a different animal when converted to business class. With the inboard seat is flipped down, Butterfly becomes a private suite with direct aisle access, unlimited elbow room, and twice the amount of personal space. The side couch gives the suite a unique, homey ambience.
Suite Dreams
The full glory of the seat is revealed when the aisle seat is also folded over to form one of the largest and flattest bed surfaces in the industry with up to a maximum 36” width at hip areas, giving passenger ample space to toss and turn.
Shared Space
Whetherprivacy or intimacy is preferred, Butterfly gives passengers plenty of options for socializing. In business class, passengers may invite guests over on the side couch for a meal together, while couples may choose to convert the side couches back into seats so that they can sit close to each other even during takeoff and landing.
Family Time
In premium economy, airlines may choose to activate couches for little children to sleep more comfortably especially during very long flights. bringing tranquility to the people around – increasing the wellbeing of the kids and reducing the stress level of the parents and of course surrounding passengers.
Game Changer
Butterfly's seat density compares very well with industry standards. It is a game changer that addresses a wide range of issues in airline operations such as fleet assignment, revenue management and aircraft reconfiguration. Aircraft are no longer bound by a fixed cabin configuration, enabling higher utilization and better profitability.
Aircraft Adaptability
Butterfly can be optimized for different cabins by adjusting the seat width, seat pitch as well as seat angle. The result is a seat density that is highly competitive with existing business-class products.
A320/B737
Seat Pitch (A): 37 in
Suite Width (B): 62/59 in
Seat Width (C): 22 in
Bed Length (D): 81/75 in
A330
Seat Pitch (A): 44 in
Suite Width (B): 42 in
Seat Width (C): 19 in
Bed Length (D): 78 in
A350/B787
Seat Pitch (A): 42 in
Suite Width (B): 45 in
Seat Width (C): 20 in
Bed Length (D): 78 in
B777
Seat Pitch (A): 42 in
Suite Width (B): 48 in
Seat Width (C): 21 in
Bed Length (D): 78
Other Industries
The Butterfly concept doesn’t only work in aviation- it can be adapted to work on other types of public transportation where passengers travel long distances, such as motorcoach and railway. Butterfly offers operators a brand new business model- it can be configured as flatbed suites during the night to operate long-distance inter-city sleeper services, while during the day, the same hardware can be configured with double the seating capacity to run shorter daytime journeys, enabling operators to make better utilization of their vehicles to maximize revenue.
Partnering for Success
As a Hong Kong-based consultancy, we are uniquely positioned to source and manufacture products in Asia. We are partnering with local and international suppliers to produce and certify the Butterfly seat for use on motorcoaches and trains. Contact us to learn more.
Sample Layouts
Gallery
