UK-based leather manufacturer Pittards has joined forces with upholstery company Yarwood leather to produce SupaLite, a lightweight upholstery leather for the aviation industry.

Weighing 390 g/m², the leather is reportedly 30% lighter than other lightweight leathers and 50% lighter than standard aviation grade leathers. For some airlines this could generate weight savings of over 1kg per seat.

The product builds on Pittards’ Firebloc technology employed in fire fighting and professional motor racing and uses the company’s weight reducing fibre engineering technology. It fulfils the requirements of Airbus ABD0031 with regard to Smoke Emissions & Toxicity and Heat Release.

Following the Aircraft Interiors Exhibition in Hamburg, held April 17-19, several short-haul and trans-Atlantic airlines are currently in the process of confirming orders for the leather.

A joint statement issued by the two companies stated: “The aviation industry is increasingly coming under commercial and political pressures to subsidise fuel price increases and lower carbon emissions. Here we have a ready-made solution, which is lighter, safer and more cost effective than any other leather in the marketplace. We estimate that, for the average cabin fit out, SupaLite will effectively fund itself over the product’s lifecycle.”