Take a look at this funky new airline business-class concept that features a sofa bed instead of a recliner

Taylor RainsMar 27, 2024, 20:23 IST

The SoFab business class seat.Optimares

The "SoFab" business-class concept made by a boutique Italian seatmaker is getting industry attention.
The design focuses on saving weight to reduce fuel burn without sacrificing comfort or space.

Next month, winners of the 2024 RedCabin Awards will be announced to recognize innovative aircraft cabin designs that address industry problems relating to things like sustainability, comfort, space, and cost.

One shortlisted sustainability concept is from the boutique Italian aerospace company Optimares. Known as "SoFab," the airline business-class seat uses a convertible sofa bed in lieu of a fully lie-flat reclining seat.

Optimares says this provides more passenger space while still weighing significantly less than competing options thanks to fewer materials used. In the airline industry, every pound saved counts when it comes to fuel burn and the company's bottom line.

Given its sleek and cost-focused design, SoFab has caught the eye of industry professionals. It's up for an award for sustainability from RedCabin, and it was a finalist for the International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2024.

Take a look at the Optimares "SoFab" business class.

At first glance, Optimares' business class concept is visually similar to other premium cabins with its 1x2x1 layout and privacy wings.

Concept drawing of the Optimares SoFab seat.Optimares

One of the biggest differences from competitors is less visual. Unlike many airlines, missing from SoFab is buttons that control the seat and bed.

The control panel on Singapore's A350 business-class seat.Taylor Rains/Insider

In lieu of the heavy electronics built into these control panels, Opimares opted for a couch that manually converts into a bed — saving weight.

The Optimares seat with the side ottoman deployed.Optimares

This works thanks to the SoFab's moveable ottoman stored under a stationary leg rest between the seat and the television.

A visual inside the SoFab seat.Optimares

The unique design makes the SoFab 50% lighter than similar options, according to Optimares.

The SoFab seat has a fixed shell.Optimares

Not only is it lighter, but SoFaB also boasts 25% more bed space when compared to "high-end" business-class seats, according to Optimares.

The bed on All Nippon Airways. The airline also boasted a couch-like seat, allowing for a wide bed.Taylor Rains/Insider

David Proctor, Optimares’ director for global business development, told the Runway Girl Network that SoFab is simply a "sofa bed."

The couch-like seat on All Nippon Airways has a similar teardrop shape as Optimares' SoFab.Taylor Rains/Insider

Moreover, Optimares said maintaining the seat would be easier because of its simplicity and lack of breakable electronics.

Optimares' SoFab business-class seat.Optimares

The rest of the SoFab design appears to come with the regular amenities associated with business class.

The tray table on the SoFab seat.Optimares

Though it looks like the storage only consists of a cubby and a nook under the legrest.

Storage options on the SoFab seat.Optimares

According to the Runway Girl Network, the SoFab seat is designed to fit onto Airbus A330, Airbus A350, and Airbus A320 planes.

The side cubby has a place for headphones.Optimares

The company also offers the option for a privacy door, but would prefer a solution that doesn't add weight.

The sliding doors on British Airway's Club Suite business class.Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Optimares' concept may be a rare design but similar ideas exist — like the one on Finnair.

Finnair's AirLounge business class seat has a table top on the armrest.Finnair

Meanwhile, Air New Zealand has similarly ditched touch panels in favor of a manual bed setup like Optmiares, though it's not as convenient on ANZ.

The Air New Zealand seat had to be flipped down to make a bed. The recline was controlled by buttons, though.Taylor Rains/Insider

Optimares isn't a household name, but it's no stranger to supplying business-class products to global airlines.

The Optimares seat on Beond's Airbus A319 all-business-class plane.Pete Syme/Business Insider

Upgrading your flight for the first time? Here's how to avoid being the most annoying person in first and business classes.

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