While some seating companies were focused on the small and midsize market and took a hit during the recession, PAC Seating Systems took aim at the large-cabin business, and with some success.

"We've done eight or nine Airbus [single-aisle] airplanes in the past 18 months," said sales director Andy Perl. He added that the Palm City, Fla. company's sales in 2009 were up 40 percent on 2008's and, "So far this year, we are on pace to see a 20-percent increase in 2010 over 2009."

Perl said PAC has also taken a lean approach with an eye to the future, "pouring virtually every cent into research and development."

PAC has 16-g divans available in a forward- and aft-facing version, allowing for a U-shaped banquette configuration with corner quarter units. The aft-facing version has a telescoping back to meet FAA requirements, and the divans are assembled from individuals units, allowing for a two-, three- or four-place unit. The divans also come in a sleeper with a berthing pan and "a sort of La-Z-Boy sloucher."

Also new from PAC is the Affinity seat, which Perl said can be upholstered about 20 percent more quickly. And like all PAC's seating products, it can be motorized with a manual override to meet FAA requirements.

The company holds 125 seating STCs and is acquiring more, said Perl, at the rate of about 12 a year. All that growth means the company is outgrowing its current facilities and is looking for a new building. "We've been planning to move for the past year, but like everyone else in this economy, we're taking our time and being careful."