The business class suite controlled by your SMARTPHONE: New seat allows passengers to beam films to a 4K screen, adjust their bed with an app and charge devices wirelessly

Some of the world’s leading designers have created a new business class seat that would allow passengers to control almost every feature or setting, including a revolutionary touchscreen monitor and LED lighting, with their smartphone or tablet.

If an airline signs on to develop it, the Waterfront private suite concept – or a variation of it – would become the most well-connected plane seat in the world.

Passengers’ mobile phones would recharge wirelessly when placed on a side table and they would be able to customise their environment with a few taps on a companion app.

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Business class passengers will be able to sync their mobile phone or tablet to the Waterfront Seat's in-flight entertainment system

The business class seat converts from a fully upright position to a flat 79in bed with full privacy for a sleeping passenger 

Designed by Panasonic Avionics, B/E Aerospace, Formation Design Group and Teague, has been nominated for a Crystal Cabin Award

Passengers' devices, including mobile phones, can be charged wirelessly when placed on a side table near to a touchscreen monitor

In a reverse herringbone configuration, each Waterfront Seat has privacy partitions, a sliding door and direct aisle access

The Waterfront Seat, designed by Panasonic Avionics, B/E Aerospace, Formation Design Group and Teague, has been nominated for a prestigious Crystal Cabin Award at next week’s Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany.

Billed as a ‘next-generation’ seat, it was designed at a time when travellers are increasingly unable to disconnect and business class passengers want to control their private space.

Passengers can sync their smartphone or tablet to the in-flight entertainment system and use it to watch films or TV programmes or display information from their device on a 24in 4K touchscreen monitor with seamless edge-to-edge glass.

When connected, the device could be used to adjust the seat’s head, leg and back rests to a desired position anywhere between fully upright to a 79in flat bed, or control heating, cooling or airflow – a first for business class.

Features include a single-piece tray table for dining and a side storage compartment that can be independently heated or chilled

If privacy is desired, passengers can show a custom message for flight attendants on an OLED display on the exterior wall

Films and TV programmes are displayed on a 24in 4K touchscreen monitor (left). A 7in wireless control (right) also displays information

The design allows passengers to change the colour or intensity of hundreds of LED lights within the suite to suit their activities, whether they’re eating, watching a film, doing work on a laptop computer or sleeping.

In addition to using personal devices, the seat’s features can be controlled through a wireless 7in screen located next to the 4K monitor or a handheld remote control that is within reach even when a passenger in bed.

The system has been designed to memorise passengers' favourite settings, which can be immediately configured with presets.

In addition to wireless charging for devices, the Waterfront Seat is equipped with a traditional power outlet and USB ports

Passengers can control the suite's features and settings with their own device, a wireless control screen or a handheld remote

Passengers who can't be bothered to use the touchscreen can use their own device or a control screen to select a film

Devices could be charged wirelessly, meaning there would be no need to struggle with laptop or phone chargers, although the suite would have a traditional power outlet and USB ports.

In a reverse herringbone configuration, each private suite has wall partitions, a sliding door and direct aisle access – a first for such a high-density seating configuration.

Other features include a single-piece tray table for dining, side storage compartment that can be independently heated or chilled, and an OLED display on the exterior wall that can show custom messages for flight attendants or fellow travellers.