Canadian Brand Arconas Launches ‘Meanwhile’ Lounge Waiting Chair Collection for Airports

TORONTO — For years, airport seating has been all about efficiency: fitting as many seats as possible into a small space, with little thought for comfort or style. But this week, Canadian furniture brand Arconas launched a brand new collection of waiting chairs called ‘Meanwhile’, designed to turn airport waiting areas into comfortable, welcoming lounge spaces, where passengers can relax, work, and connect.

The new collection, which was designed in partnership with Italian design studio CMP, is a radical departure from traditional airport row chairs. Instead of stiff, identical seats lined up in a row, the Meanwhile collection features modular, lounge-style seating that can be arranged in a range of configurations, from small clusters to large, organic-shaped benches, creating a more relaxed, social space for passengers.

“ We wanted to reimagine what airport waiting can be,” said Simon Mandelli, co-founder of CMP Design. “For too long, waiting has been seen as a waste of time—something you just have to get through. But we wanted to change that, to turn waiting time into time that you can enjoy, whether you’re working, relaxing, or talking to your travel companions. That’s why we created the Meanwhile waiting chair collection.”

Each seat in the collection features plush, ergonomic cushions that are comfortable even for long layovers, with a sleek, modern design that fits in with the modern airport aesthetic. The chairs also include optional integrated charging ports, including USB-C, AC power, and wireless charging, so passengers can charge their phones and laptops while they wait. There are also optional built-in cup holders and small side tables, where passengers can place their drinks, books, or devices.

The collection is available in three configurations: a small 6-seat model, a large 8-seat model, and a bean-shaped organic model that can seat 6 people. All of the modules are compatible with existing airport seating systems, so airports can easily upgrade their existing waiting areas without having to replace all of their furniture.

“One of the best things about this collection is that it doesn’t force airports to choose between capacity and comfort,” said Sarah Lee, head of product development at Arconas. “Traditional lounge seating takes up a lot of space, so airports can’t fit as many seats. But the Meanwhile collection lets you fit just as many seats as traditional row chairs, but with all the comfort and style of lounge seating. That means airports can have the best of both worlds.”

The launch comes at a time when airports are increasingly looking for ways to improve the passenger experience, as competition between airlines and airports grows. A 2024 survey of air travelers found that 72% of passengers say that the comfort of the waiting area is a major factor in their choice of airport, and 65% say that they would be willing to pay more for a more comfortable waiting experience.

“Airports are no longer just places to catch a flight—they’re becoming destinations,” said Lee. “Passengers expect to have a good experience while they wait, and that means having comfortable seating, the ability to charge their devices, and a space that feels welcoming, not like a cold, sterile waiting room. That’s exactly what the Meanwhile waiting chair collection delivers.”

The collection has already been tested at a number of airports across North America and Europe, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. At Toronto Pearson International Airport, which tested the collection in its international terminal, passenger satisfaction with the waiting area increased by 38% after the installation.

“ We installed the Meanwhile chairs in one of our busiest gates, and the feedback from passengers has been incredible,” said Mark Porter, head of terminal operations at Toronto Pearson. “Passengers love how comfortable they are, and they love that they can charge their phones while they wait. It’s made the waiting experience so much better for our passengers.”

Arconas plans to roll out the collection globally over the next year, with orders already coming in from more than 20 airports across the world. The company is also working on adding new features to the collection, including integrated flight information displays, to make the waiting experience even better for passengers.

According to industry analysts, the new collection is part of a broader trend in airport seating, as more and more brands move away from traditional row chairs towards more comfortable, lounge-style solutions. Over the next five years, analysts predict that lounge-style waiting chairs will account for more than 30% of all airport seating sales, as airports look to improve the passenger experience.