Quick Dips

Wool Takes Off

Work by WRONZ, the Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand, has culminated in an all-New Zealand wool upholstery fabric being chosen by Air New Zealand to complete the current refurbishment of its international fleet.

Flightweave fabric, developed by Alliance Textiles and Australian firm Norwellan, is believed to be the lightest aircraft upholstery fabric available and has been made possible by WRONZ's Treotek spinning technology, which enables much finer yarns to be spun from wool than has conventionally been possible. As a result, finer textured, lighter weight fabrics can be made.

Customised finishing treatments were also developed in association with WRONZ. Safety is always a paramount concern in aircraft construction and operation, and wool's natural fire resistance together with a special flame retardant treatment mean the fabric meets the most stringent specifications for flammability, as well as smoke and toxic emissions.

Care and maintenance are also important, and stain-blocking technology recently developed by WRONZ was used in the fabric, which unlike many conventional airline fabrics, can be machine washed and tumble dried.