Elevate Aircraft Seating Expands Operations in Huntington Beach

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The new Elevate Aircraft Seating facility aims to enhance manufacturing operations.

News Summary

Elevate Aircraft Seating, a leader in airline seat manufacturing, has signed a lease for a new 280,460-square-foot facility in Huntington Beach. This expansion, located at 5701 Skylab Road, will enhance the company’s production and distribution capabilities while maintaining its existing site. Amid a challenging industrial market in Southern California, this move is expected to create jobs and stimulate the local economy. The facility will serve as a vital hub for Elevate’s operations, reinforcing its commitment to quality and innovation in aerospace seating.

Huntington Beach – Elevate Aircraft Seating, a prominent designer and manufacturer of airline seats, has made a significant commitment to expanding its operations by leasing a new 280,460-square-foot manufacturing facility in Huntington Beach. This strategic move is set to bolster Elevate’s production and distribution capabilities as the company continues to grow.

The new facility is located at 5701 Skylab Road and features an extensive layout, including 40,000 square feet designated for office space, which was a specific requirement for the expansion. Elevate Aircraft Seating, formerly known as Adient Aerospace, is headquartered in Bothell, Washington but has operated a facility at 5511 Skylab Road in Huntington Beach since its establishment in 2018.

While Elevate will maintain its current 80,000-square-foot location, the addition of the new site reflects the company’s ambitions to accelerate growth and enhance operational efficiency in an industry characterized by intense competition.

Implications of the Expansion

The lease agreement represents a notable instance of expansion within a struggling industrial market in Southern California, as highlighted by local real estate experts. Reports indicate that the region has been facing rising vacancy rates and declining asking rates for industrial spaces. Despite these challenges, there has been noticeable leasing activity, with first-quarter 2025 leasing transactions reaching 2.4 million square feet, according to data from CBRE.

The expansion of Elevate Aircraft Seating is expected to not only benefit the company but also contribute positively to the local economy by creating jobs and attracting more business opportunities to Huntington Beach. Steve Card, Vice Chairman at Savills, commented on the significance of this expansion in the context of the current industrial market landscape, which has seen limited growth.

Construction and Area Context

Currently, there is 1.8 million square feet of industrial space under construction throughout Orange County, signaling continued interest and investment in the region’s industrial capabilities. The demand for industrial space remains high, underscored by the presence of other major aerospace companies in the area, including Safran, Panasonic Avionics Corp., and Thales Avionics Inc.

The industrial building at 5701 Skylab Road, built in 2000 and previously leased to Hybrid Apparel, is owned by Prologis Inc. This location will serve as a vital hub for Elevate’s manufacturing endeavors, aligning with industry standards and the company’s strategic objectives. Elevate’s focus lies in designing, manufacturing, and marketing seating products to airlines and aircraft leasing companies, solidifying its influence in the aerospace sector.

Company Background

Founded in 2018, Elevate Aircraft Seating has quickly positioned itself as a leader in the aerospace seating market, with additional facilities located in California and Germany. By enhancing its operations through this new facility, Elevate aims to fulfill its commitment to quality and innovation in the airline seat design and manufacturing space.

In conclusion, the expansion of Elevate Aircraft Seating at its new manufacturing facility in Huntington Beach signifies a robust vision for growth amidst a complex industrial landscape. As the company prepares to scale its operations and adapt to the evolving demands of the aerospace market, this strategic move may pave the way for further opportunities in the region.