At Vanema we set a very ambitious objective, to prove that Octaspring can be certified to fly and bring the benefits to sky, and create independent business unit, that would create R&D and production unit, opening new positions for engineers and workers in Europe. Logic was that if we can make it in the most demanding environment with the highest quality standards, we can make it anywhere.
Diving in the project, we were not aware of the complexity and challenges of bringing products to the stage of being air worthy. The difficulties and complex testing requirements are much tougher to deal with as anticipated and timelines connected (up to 10 years to get product into the air) with certification is much longer than expected.
During the period Vanema & Octaspring achieved 10 awards, the most prestigious being the Crystal Cabin Award in 2017.
During the project we developed first prototypes of Octaspring aircraft seat cushions, mattress and accessories. In partnership with Airbus, Stelia and Boxmark we managed to bring the products to the industry standards and all the products were pre-certified. We learned about the difficulties of new/untested concept entering the aviation industry and the potential carefulness that industry is welcoming innovation – even they know they require it. The full product set was presented to the industry stakeholders at several events, which is now finally – after the end of the project finally converting into the first real business. We have just signed the 1st Airline to install Octaspring products on the Aircraft in September 2019 and stay tuned for more news.
After the project we proved, that Octaspring seat cushions and mattress are:
- More comfortable vs existing products;
- Can bring up to 30% weight saving
- Pass all the mechanical tests: durability and dynamic tests
- Pass Oil Burner Tests
- Achieve to be airworthy technology for Business and Economy Seats, Pilots Seats, Cabin Crew Mattresses
- Can be price competitive
- Achieved recognition of technology within the industry and beyond
The journey through testing and certification phase could never be successfully achieved without close partners as Airbus, Stelia Aerospace, in kind contributor Boxmark.
