Acro Aircraft Seating awarded FAA TSO approval

Thursday 3rd October 2013

Representatives from Surrey, UK-based passenger aircraft seat manufacturer Acro Aircraft Seating will be in attendance at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Seattle this week following its recent FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO) Letter of Design Approval (LODA) award for its seat products. The FAA issues a letter of TSO design approval only for products that meet a minimum performance standard. This formal approval enables Acro to export and install its products on 'N' registered aircraft in the United States opening up potentially significant new market opportunities for the company. Acro's recent expansion has already included considerable US activity and the design approval will undoubtedly further add to the company's continued growth and success.

Cameron Allan, Director of Programme Management at Acro Aircraft Seating comments: "We are very pleased to receive this important FAA approval. The company acquired the TSO at short notice in response to customer demand in the US. This week we will be networking at the Aircraft Interiors Show to help further expand our presence in North America which we see as an ideal market for Acro's products."

Distinguished by their light weight and slim design of the seatback, Acro's seats fulfill the specific requirements needed to comply with the demanding airline seat market, including short lead times, increased leg room, a reduction of maintenance costs and a significant weight saving - which crucially helps an airline reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions.

Last month Acro reported contracts secured with Mango Airlines of South Africa to complete eight 737-800 aircraft and to completely refurbish the full fleet of 26 Fokker F70 regional jets for KLM's Cityhopper service KLC, in deals worth collectively an estimated £5M. The two latest contracts follow a hugely successful 2013 for Acro now flying with around 20 airlines and 11 different aircraft types.

20-year old established Acro designs, certifies and manufactures lightweight, robust and comfortable economy seats for regionals, legacy, low cost and traditional carriers. ACRO's seat portfolio satisfies a wide range of aircraft types and different cabin class options and has the capability to produce 1,500 seats a month at the moment.  Acro seating is flying with some 20 airlines with recent installations on Mango, KLM City Hopper and Aer Arann. Jet2.com (the launch customer in 2008) now has more than 50 aircraft with Acro seats.

www.acro.aero