'There are exciting times ahead': Northern Ireland aircraft seating firm's profits soar as £1.2bn order book drives global growth — up by £400m
Portadown manufacturer Thompson Aero Seating sees revenue jump to £224m and pre-tax profits rise to £20.9m as demand for its premium aircraft seating products continues to climb worldwide
Northern Ireland aircraft seating manufacturer Thompson Aero Seating (TAS) has reported a sharp rise in revenue and profits, as demand for its premium airline seating products continues to accelerate across global markets.
The Portadown-based company’s annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025, now filed with Companies House, show a strong upward trajectory in profitability, with profit before tax rising to £20.9m for 2025, up from £12.1m in 2024.
Revenue increased by more than 30%, rising from £170m in 2024 to £224m in 2025, driven largely by higher delivery volumes. TAS’ expanding range of innovative premium seating continues to attract strong global demand, with new and repeat programme awards secured from leading international airlines, taking its end-of-year order book to more than £1.2bn — an increase of £400m on 2024.
The strengthened pipeline of contracted business is expected to be delivered primarily over the next five years.
Demand remains strong across all major airline platforms, with TAS announcing significant new contracts in the past six months with carriers including Delta Air Lines and Lufthansa Group. The annual report highlights the global reach of the business, with revenues generated across Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America and the Middle East.
Innovation and engineering excellence remain central to TAS’s success. Two recently unveiled products, designed and manufactured in Northern Ireland, reflect the company’s approach of maximising available cabin space to deliver seats that act as both a comfort upgrade and a brand differentiator for airlines.
One example is a TAS-developed concept that transforms the front row of the Business Class cabin into an enhanced shared space, offering greater privacy and personal space, while also allowing two or even four passengers to dine and socialise together in a first-class-style setting.
Keith Anderson, chief executive of Thompson Aero Seating, said: “At over £1.2bn, our order book is incredibly strong. We have the experience, expertise and capacity to fulfil and exceed this and we continue to work to ensure that our delivery is as strong as our promise. We have a wealth of mostly homegrown talent at TAS and we continue to develop and enrich this amazing team.”
He added that the company has launched a new marketing campaign featuring its workforce, highlighting engineers, craftspeople and support staff, alongside imagery reflecting Northern Ireland’s heritage.
“We are extremely proud of our people, our heritage and what we are achieving at a global level. There are exciting times ahead,” he added.
Thompson Aero Seating is a world leader in premium aircraft seating, with installations across major Airbus and Boeing platforms and a growing global reputation for design innovation, engineering expertise and delivery performance.