Adient Aerospace – which formed a collaboration with Crane Aerospace & Electronics Cabin Systems to provide innovative seat actuation for their Ascent business class seats in 2018 – has now partnered with Crane to support the Boeing 2019 ecoDemonstrator program.

"Adient Aerospace is proud to support the ecoDemonstrator program, displaying connected cabin technologies with our seating system," said Adient Aerospace CEO Alan Wittman. "Crane Aerospace & Electronics' mcX seat actuation system supports the next-generation of connected cabin functionality."

The Ascent business class seats are equipped with sensors to provide real-time information to cabin crews about seat functionality. Over time, this information will enable airlines to use predictive analytics to determine when to replace parts and perform other maintenance.

"Crane is pleased to partner with Adient Aerospace to showcase our versatile mcX system on Boeing's ecoDemonstrator program," said Chris Cook, vice president and general manager of Crane Aerospace & Electronics Cabin Systems. "Our innovative mcX seat actuation system provides connected-cabin functionality with application capability that enhances maintenance efficiency and preserves seat health. Our mcX system seamlessly supports a connected cabin and is the latest example of Crane A&E's desire to provide innovative solutions for our valued industry partners."

The Ascent seat is one of a number of connected cabin technologies being tested this fall on Boeing's ecoDemonstrator 777. The program is visiting Frankfurt, Germany, this week to showcase innovative technologies that advance aviation. More than 1,000 guests – including industry stakeholders, students and employees – are registered to attend the two-day technology exhibition.