At this year's NBAA, Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp., is taking passenger comfort to new heights with industry-first features on its Evolution Series business jet seat. The new seat's design combines commercial first-class seating with executive aircraft seating to target core-specific needs, such as task-based seating and full flat berthing.

"We're making the best even better with the unveiling of our new Evolution business jet seat at this year's NBAA," said Ian Webb, vice president of Sales & Marketing for Executive Aircraft Interiors at Collins Aerospace. "This truly is an 'evolution' in traditional business jet seat functionality. We set out to design a seat that specifically enhances a passenger's comfort throughout the flight, including ergonomic support of the body whether in entertainment, work, sleep or dine positions."

Evolution cradles a passenger's body in a suspended lounge or "zero gravity" position for maximum relaxation, while at the same time providing a new articulating pivoting backrest that provides additional thoracic and vertebral support when the individual is in dine or work mode. This is the first time an Adjustable Thoracic Support Backrest has been incorporated in business jet seating. In addition, Evolution's unique, patent-pending kinematic seat motion provides its lounge position via "one-touch comfort" articulation. This allows passengers to translate and move from a bulkhead in one single motion while retaining all the aspects of track and swivel functionality they are accustomed to.

As new executive/business jet aircraft are breaking range barriers and passengers are spending more time on board than ever before, fully flat sleeping surfaces have become a necessity. Evolution converts into a full flat bed, including new "comfort max" cushions that provide a special energy-absorbing mattress while in sleep mode.

Evolution, which is available as a fully electric option or mechanical option with electric assist features, also incorporates luxurious Collins Aerospace Veneers in the design of both its back shell and armrest accents.