We recently caught up with our newest Air Tech Italy Member, Poltrona Frau, and spoke with Marco Gaspari, responsible for the Airport Seating Business Unit.
Can you introduce your company, yourself, and your role?
Marco: “Of course. I am responsible for the Airport Seating Business Unit at Poltrona Frau’s Custom Interiors division. My role is to help our customers by developing and manufacturing seating systems for public spaces, waiting areas, and lounges. Poltrona Frau’s Custom Interiors (CI) division specializes in creating bespoke furnishings for diverse public and private spaces, including airports, museums, theatres, government buildings, cinemas, showrooms, hotels, yachts, and offices. Formally established in 1984, CI has collaborated with designers worldwide, translating Poltrona Frau’s trademark luxury and comfort into large-scale communal environments.”
Can you tell me what makes Poltrona Frau so special, and how it stands out amidst the many competitors in the market?
Marco: “Poltrona Frau’s Custom Interiors Division, which includes the airport seating business unit, specializes in creating bespoke furnishings for diverse public and private spaces, such as airports, museums, theatres, government buildings, cinemas, showrooms, hotels, yachts, and offices. As I mentioned, the Custom Interiors Division has collaborated with designers worldwide to bring Poltrona Frau’s trademark luxury and comfort into large-scale communal environments. In recent years, we have tailored our approach to accommodate the evolving needs of travelers, especially in airports. We provide highly durable and comfortable airport seating options, from fixed and modular seats to lounge armchairs. The airport environment is quite different from others, as travelers expect seating to remain comfortable even a decade after installation. This is what we strive for: luxury, comfort, great designs, and extreme durability, regardless of use patterns. Every CI project reflects Poltrona Frau’s commitment to quality materials, innovative design, and environmental responsibility.”
Can you share some of your successes in the airport industry?
Marco: “Focusing on seating systems (seats for waiting areas) and loose/fixed furniture for lounge spaces, we have supplied our furniture to some of the most important airports in the world:
- ITA Airways hangar lounge, Rome
- Fiumicino Airport, Rome
- Casa Alitalia, Rome & Milan
- Brussels National Airport
- Fontanarossa Airport, Catania
- Cathay Pacific Lounge
- Guglielmo Marconi Airport, Bologna
- Narita International Airport, Tokyo
- Caselle Airport, Torino
- Naples International Airport
- Eindhoven Airport, The Netherlands
- Cologne International Airport”
What are the trends in seating for public spaces? How do you follow changing expectations by airports and travelers, especially with sustainability requirements?
Marco: “We notice a growing emphasis on the design content of products, incorporating ergonomics and high-comfort concepts in every piece, even in basic models like beam seating. The aim is to create a ‘home-feeling’ in all products. Sustainability is now crucial in furniture selection, with airports and corporations prioritizing suppliers who genuinely care about environmental impact and their own footprint.”
How do you see and address the future passenger experience?
Marco: “We strive to enhance the customer journey by creating aesthetically appealing products that keep comfort central, making seating with Poltrona Frau products a pleasurable experience.”
What is the latest focus of Poltrona Frau’s presence at events and fairs?
Marco: “We are focusing on the new BAY seating system (see pictures), designed by the Foster + Partners design firm, which prioritizes comfort (essentially a sofa on a beam), sustainability, and recyclability at the end of the product lifecycle.”
Many thanks, Marco. That was very enlightening.
For more information on Poltrona Frau, visit the special section on Poltrona Frau’s website here.