Millennium Concepts, Inc. of Wichita, Kansas has signed a contract to provide passenger and crew seats for Piper Aircraft's new very light jet, the PiperJet. Piper Aircraft Inc. and Millennium jointly announced the development today.

The seating system, which meets the latest government regulations, has been undergoing extensive testing, according to Kevin Reifschneider, Millennium's president and managing director, and "this testing has demonstrated that it is one of the safest and most reliable seats available for this class of aircraft. In fact, it has been shown to withstand loads of up to 30 times the force of gravity (or 30Gs), while maintaining compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration's standards. In tests conducted at the National Institute for Aviation Research, the seat performed exceptionally well and exceeded the FAA standard and performance criteria," Reifschneider explained.

Piper Aircraft President and CEO Geoffrey Berger said, "We are impressed with Millennium's customer focus, commitment to excellence and quality workmanship in addition to its design work to integrate these modern seats into our exceptionally styled and spacious interior. The combination meets our superior standards and we are delighted to have them join the PiperJet team.''

The new lighter weight seats, which have been ergonomically designed to provide safety and support, are equipped with adjustable headrests, a break-over seat back and can be reclined for additional comfort. The passenger seat will include a 3-point restraint system. The crew version of the seat adds a dual harness torso restraint system,adjustable height, floor tracking and lumbar support. Both seats have discrete energy-absorbers in the seat pan and feature bolsters around the torso and thighs for maximum support.

"For years aviation seat designs have sought to emulate automotive technology when it comes to both comfort and 'producability'—a design that can be produced in quantity with consistent quality—and this seat fits that description," Reifschneider continued. "We've incorporated lighter materials, injection molding and high-precision CNC-based manufacturing techniques in the production of this seat, as opposed to traditional welded frame design using steel, which is generally heavier and less efficient."

Millennium Concepts has been designing, certifying, and producing interiors for a variety of business aircraft ranging in size from Cessna Caravans to Boeing 747s since its founding in 1999. "We are extremely pleased and honored to be a part of this exciting new airplane from Piper," Reifschneider added.

The single-engine PiperJet will provide cabin seating for up to seven individuals with an interior that synthesizes a sophisticated color palette with a spacious, energetic design. Its elegant features include rich leather seats, deep zebrawood details and rich fabrics and trim to perfectly placed storage, cup holders and docking stations for personal electronics. It is designed to be equally attentive to pilot and passenger comfort and needs, reduced workload and ease of operation.