In a significant move that underscores its commitment to the aviation industry, Collins Aerospace, a business unit of RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX), has achieved a critical milestone with the delivery of its first seating shipment from the Tanauan City, Philippines facility to Airbus. The shipment comprises the Meridian main cabin seats designed to enhance passenger experience on narrow-body aircraft, integrating ergonomic comfort, increased living space, and substantial in-seat storage options. This development marks a pivotal step in Collins Aerospace’s expansion in the Asia Pacific region, offering proximate seating support to its airline customers.

Christophe Blanc, the Vice President and General Manager of Aircraft Seating at Collins Aerospace, expressed the strategic importance of this achievement, stating, “Adding main cabin seating production to our Philippines facility is a critical milestone in the future of Collins’ seating business.” The expansion not only signifies Collins Aerospace’s growth but also contributes to local employment and business opportunities, reflecting the company’s dedication to enhancing its operational footprint and supporting the aviation sector’s evolving needs.

The Tanauan City facility’s seating assembly capacity is set to triple throughout 2024, with plans to serve 14 distinct customers across multiple original equipment manufacturer (OEM) linefits and several retrofit projects. Since its inauguration in 2012, the facility has diversified its manufacturing capabilities, producing a wide array of cabin interior products such as galleys, galley inserts, oxygen systems, and lavatories, further solidifying Collins Aerospace’s role as a comprehensive solutions provider in the aerospace and defense sectors.

Collins Aerospace stands as a leader in delivering integrated and intelligent solutions across the global aerospace and defense industry. With a workforce of 80,000 employees, the company is at the forefront of introducing innovative technologies aimed at advancing sustainable and connected aviation, enhancing passenger safety and comfort, ensuring mission success, and supporting space exploration endeavors.

This development is a testament to Collins Aerospace’s strategic initiatives to bolster its global presence and service capabilities, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. By localizing production and expanding its product offerings, the company is well-positioned to meet the increasing demands for high-quality, comfortable seating solutions, thereby enhancing the overall passenger experience. Furthermore, the expansion of the Tanauan City facility underscores the company’s commitment to supporting the aviation industry’s growth and sustainability goals, offering a glimpse into the future of air travel where comfort and technology converge.

  aerospace and defense, Airbus, Asia Pacific aviation, aviation industry, Collins Aerospace, ergonomic seating, Meridian main cabin seat, Tanauan City Philippines