Bain Capital’s newly acquired Japanese aircraft interiors supplier Jamco Corporation is preparing to relaunch its premium seating business, capitalising on growing demand for business class products and cabin retrofits amid global delivery backlogs and extended aircraft lifespans, according to Reuters.

Bain agreed in June to buy Jamco in a ¥110bn ($700m) take-private deal, which is expected to close in September. Jamco was delisted from the Tokyo Stock Exchange in July.

Kate Schaefer, Bain Capital senior adviser and former Boeing senior vice-president, has been appointed executive chair of Jamco. She confirmed that the company plans to restart its premium seating operations, which were previously suspended due to cost and design issues. “The interest from the airlines has been pretty overwhelming,” she said.

Jamco, which supplies galleys and lavatories for twin-aisle jets, had exited the business class seat market last year, citing “cost and design problems.” The revived seat line is intended to fill a gap left by pandemic-driven supply chain pressures and production delays at major aircraft manufacturers.

Nick Gattas, managing director of Bain Capital in Asia Pacific, said the firm sees “a real opportunity to acquire businesses” that could complement Jamco’s offering, particularly in the high-end seating market. Bain is considering potential acquisitions in the US and Europe, including suppliers of first- and business-class seats, as well as providers of foam cushions and other materials.

“We see billions of dollars being spent on first class, business class and premium economy retrofits of planes that are 10 years old or more. That’s a huge opportunity for a company like Jamco,” Gattas said.

Jamco has been a key supplier to Boeing for decades and is planning to grow its international footprint. Bain is also considering how to navigate newly imposed US tariffs on Japanese aircraft components. Gattas noted that “who should pay for the hit from tariffs is a topic of active discussion,” though he added that Japan’s duty drawback system might help mitigate the impact for exporters.

The deal adds to Bain’s aviation investments, including its control of Virgin Australia. It reflects a broader trend in private equity, targeting suppliers poised to benefit from resurgent airline demand and global supply constraints.

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