When most people think about Stellantis, their mind immediately goes to high-performance muscle cars, rugged SUVs, and hard-working trucks. But behind the scenes, the company’s European-based Stellantis Design Studio is expanding far beyond the automotive world. Its latest collaboration proves just how versatile that expertise can be.

Working alongside Italian aircraft seating manufacturer Geven, Stellantis Design Studio has helped develop the next-generation eForma Business Class recliner—an electrified, premium airline seat designed to elevate the passenger experience without overcomplicating things. The new seat made its global debut at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) 2026 in Hamburg, Germany, and it’s already turning heads for its clean design and thoughtful execution.

This isn’t about reinventing airline seating. It’s about refining it.

Building on a Strong Foundation
Stellantis Design Studio x Geven eForma Airline Seats. (Stellantis).

The eForma is not a completely new product from the ground up. Instead, it builds on Geven’s existing Forma platform—something that already had a solid reputation in the industry. Stellantis Design Studio’s role was to build on that foundation, focusing on clarity, usability, and long-term value.

Hugo Nightingale, Global Creative Director at Stellantis Design Studio, summed it up perfectly: “The original Forma provided a strong foundation. Our role was to translate its evolution into a clear, elevated design expression. Clarity and seamless integration guided every decision. The result is a confident, modern seat where each element feels naturally placed.”

That philosophy is something we’ve seen time and time again in the automotive space—especially with Stellantis brands. Instead of chasing trends, the focus is on improving what already works and making it better for real-world use.

A Clean, Cohesive Design Language
Stellantis Design Studio x Geven eForma Airline Seats. (Stellantis).

One of the biggest contributions from Stellantis Design Studio is the visual consistency brought to the eForma. The design team focused on creating a unified look across all surfaces, materials, and interfaces.

The result is a seat that feels calm and organized rather than busy or overwhelming. Horizontal alignment of components helps visually widen the space, while simplified lines reduce clutter and create a more premium feel.

This approach is very similar to what we’re seeing in modern vehicle interiors—especially in high-end trims—where fewer distractions and cleaner layouts lead to a better user experience.

Alberto Veneruso, Managing Director at Geven, highlighted that balance, stating, “With eForma, we continue to refine our vision of the Business Class experience. This evolution combines engineering expertise, Italian design, and intuitive passenger comfort. Working with Stellantis Design Studio allowed us to evolve an already strong and well-conceived product, integrating technology upgrades while preserving the elegance and refinement that define Geven.”

Simplicity That Actually Improves Comfort
Stellantis Design Studio x Geven eForma Airline Seats. (Stellantis).

One of the most interesting aspects of the eForma is how much effort went into simplifying the design. Instead of adding unnecessary complexity, the team focused on making the seat more intuitive.

That means better placement of controls, easier access to storage, and a layout that just makes sense the moment you sit down.

Hermann Hoffmann, Head of Technical Design for Geven’s Business Class Division, explained the goal clearly: “Creating harmony and an instinctive premium feel was a key priority. The result reinforces eForma’s identity while integrating meaningful improvements, remaining true to our design philosophy.”

In other words, this is a seat designed to feel natural—not something you have to figure out.

Automotive-Level Attention to Detail

This is where Stellantis Design Studio really shines. Drawing from its automotive background, the team brought a level of precision that’s not always common in aviation interiors.

We’re talking about:

Tighter panel gaps
Reduced visual breaks between components
Hidden or minimized shutlines
Consistent material transitions

These might seem like small details, but they play a huge role in how premium something feels. It’s the same reason high-end vehicle interiors stand out from entry-level ones.

The materials themselves also reflect that attention to detail. The eForma uses a refined color, materials, and finish (CMF) strategy that leans into Italian design—combining subtle textures, high-quality surfaces, and warm ambient lighting to create a more inviting space.

Technology That’s Seamlessly Integrated
Stellantis Design Studio x Geven eForma Airline Seats. (Stellantis).

Modern airline passengers expect more than just comfort—they want connectivity and convenience. The eForma delivers on that front without letting technology take over the design.

Key features include:

A large, fully integrated in-flight entertainment (IFE) screen
Wireless charging for personal devices
Improved storage solutions for everyday items
A sliding privacy panel for added personal space
An intuitive in-arm table system

What stands out is how seamlessly these features are integrated. Nothing feels tacked on or out of place. Everything is designed to work together as part of a cohesive system.

Why This Collaboration Matters
Stellantis Design Studio x Geven eForma Airline Seats. (Stellantis).

This project is a clear example of how automotive design expertise can translate into other industries. Stellantis Design Studio isn’t just designing cars—it’s applying its knowledge of user experience, materials, and engineering to a much broader range of products.

It also highlights the growing importance of cross-industry collaboration. By working with Geven, Stellantis brought a fresh perspective to airline seating—one that prioritizes both form and function.

For Stellantis, it’s another step toward becoming a global design powerhouse, not just an automaker.

The Bottom Line

The new eForma Business Class recliner isn’t about flashy changes or radical redesigns. It’s about thoughtful evolution—taking a strong product and making it better in ways that actually matter to passengers.

By focusing on simplicity, precision, and seamless integration, Stellantis Design Studio and Geven have created a seat that feels modern, intuitive, and genuinely premium.

It is also fun to see what Stellantis Design Studio is capable of outside the automotive world; we’re likely just scratching the surface of what’s to come.

 

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