Aircraft interiors are a strategic priority for airlines, Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) organisers have announced, revealing that novel cabin solutions are now central to how commercial airlines compete and connect with passengers.
This year’s AIX in April in Hamburg welcomed representatives from 170 airlines and more than 13,000 attendees exploring cutting-edge cabin interior products and services.
Shoaib Ahmed, Technical Procurement Manager at Riyadh Air, commented on the success of the show for the new carrier: “We recently ordered 72 787’s and 60 A21’s, so we came to AIX to find the best products for our new aircraft. The show has been very insightful, especially in meeting IFE providers, and I was very impressed with the R&D on display this year.”
Chris Hulbert, Cabin Performance Technical Team Leader at British Airways commented: “What’s great is that you get to meet smaller companies we haven’t heard much about, and there are real gems in there. You’d never find them just from emails. The beauty of it all being under one roof is you can block out three days and tick off a lot.”
Nutsupang Pitakapan, Aircraft Project Development at Thai Airways International Public Company, said: “Thanks to visiting AIX we are now considering new suppliers that we didn’t even know about before coming to the show. We have come away with new ideas and knowledge of technologies that we had not heard about. I would give it 6 out of 5 stars!”
The show featured several announcements from leading players such as Airbus, Collins Aerospace, Insperial, Panasonic Avionics, Recaro Aircraft Seating and Thales. Airbus and Panasonic Avionics announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding a partnership that will explore leveraging Panasonic’s next-generation in-flight entertainment hardware and software server platform, Converix, to co-develop Airbus’ future Connected Aircraft platform. “Panasonic Avionics’ experience as a world-leading IFE provider, combined with Airbus’ experience as a world-leading aircraft OEM and integrator of digitally-enabled end-to-end operations, brings together the best of both worlds. This will benefit both airlines and their passengers,” Tim Sommer, Airbus’ VP of the Connected Aircraft programme said.
At the show, Viasat announced Viasat Amara, which will power innovations in core satellite network design, hardware advancements, and a suite of digital products, all of which provide scalability that will enable airlines to differentiate and future-proof their onboard passenger experience.
Collins Aerospace revealed significant updates to its Prime wheelchair seating solution that is focused on improved accessibility, functionality and flexibility. It features a “custom transformable monument” that seamlessly transitions between a fully equipped passenger amenity station for electric wheelchair users and a crew service area.
Diehl Aviation presented new lighting scenarios within its lavatory solution, employing contrast and highlighted signage to aid in locating essential components such as the faucet and soap dispenser. The lavatory also incorporates braille characters and a synthetic voice system that audibly identifies features like the flush push-button. Additionally, it also displayed an innovative “twinning lavatory” concept that allows cabin crew to fold away the partition between two lavatories, creating space for a passenger and their wheelchair.
Recaro showcased the company’s new eVTOL seating solution for the first time, alongside Embraer spin-off Eve Air Mobility, that utilises lightweight materials such as high-grade aluminium, titanium, and composite materials, the seat maintains minimal weight, enabling energy-efficient flight operations.
Insperial made the most of AIX to announce its acquisition of fellow exhibitor MGR Foamtex at the event. It now sits alongside its other sister companies, Perrone Leather and Adhetec.
CabinSpace Live
The two-day CabinSpace Live programme at AIX featured leaders from Boeing, Airbus, Hughes, Flightpath 3D, and many more. Inflight ran the first day of the panel discussions on Tuesday 8 April. This was the fourth year in a row that Inflight was invited to host the highly popular and insightful panel sessions, with all sessions receiving positive feedback from delegates.
The first day hosted by Inflight included sessions such as”Connectivity: Choosing the right fit”. Moderated by Corinne Streichert of IFECtiv LLC, the panel featured experts from satellite companies (SES), antenna systems providers (ThinKom), and network systems (Hughes), alongside Katsunori Maki from All Nippon Airways (ANA), as it sought to address the increasing complexity airlines face when selecting in-flight connectivity solutions, ranging from air-to-ground to satellite solutions. The lively discussion guided airlines through the various options available, helping them determine the most suitable connectivity solutions for their specific needs and operations.
Later in the day, “Connected cabin: Making the most of artificial intelligence”, moderated by Satu Dahl, Editor of Inflight, brought together an expert panel exploring the vast potential of connected cabin technologies for airlines. The panel featured Reza Rasoulian of Hughes Network Systems, Mike Moeller of Quvia, David Miller of Inflight Dublin and Antonio Penim of APEX, who highlighted how AI-powered solutions can drive increased profitability and streamline operations across various aspects of the airline business. From areas including IFE, MRO, and enhanced passenger personalisation, the numerous opportunities for airlines to leverage AI within the connected cabin environment to improve efficiency and the overall passenger experience were made clear to the audience.
Passenger Experience Conference
The highly acclaimed Passenger Experience Conference (PEC) also took place the same week as AIX on Monday, 7 April, with a full day of speaker sessions and panels discussing the future of passenger experience innovation and solutions.
the event focused on Collaboration Initiatives, Engagement Initiatives and Transformation Initiatives. Of particular interest to attendees were session on how the aviation and rail sectors can learn from one another, with an insightful roundtable discussion featuring representatives from Tangerine, Trenitalia, Expliseat and Sekisui Kydex, discussing how to evolve the passenger experience.
Kicking off this year’s conference, Jo Rowan, Associate Director Strategy and Customer Experience Design at leading design consultancy PriestmanGoode, provided its latest insights into accessible travel. Highlighting how public transport for those with hidden or visible disabilities remains an uncomfortable experience, she discussed how the aviation sector is addressing complex spatial challenges. She said: “We need to give all passengers confidence and dignity”, ensuring that cabin interiors deliver a quality experience to all passengers. She demonstrated how PriestmanGoode adopts a ‘Design with Empathy’ approach, by understanding the needs and diverse perspectives of today’s travellers to challenge the norm.
Continuing the theme of accessibility, Jo was joined by John Morris, Founder of WheelchairTravel.org, Shawn Raybell, Director of Business Development at Collins Aerospace and Axel Becker, Manager, Trend Research, Cabin and Cargo eXpert Future Cabin Performance & Design at Airbus. Together they commended the innovation within the cabin, particularly when it comes to bringing wheelchairs onboard. Shawn commented that: “Collins is ready for wheelchairs at the front of the aeroplane,” and that many hurdles have been overcome, with the leading manufacturer doing its best to accelerate the change.
On Wednesday 9 April, the “Women in Aviation Leaders Panel” hosted by Viasat provided attendees insightful discussion on “Harmony in Leadership: Navigating Vision, Values, and Impact” and featured prominent women leaders from across the aviation industry, including Mervi Moldakainen of Finnair, Kara Nishida of Delta, Suzanne d’Arnault of KLM, and Michelle Muñoz-Talcott of Viasat.
Archana Dharni, Event Director of AIX, said: “The quality of conversations, from business meetings to informational seminars, has been outstanding this year. We’ve welcomed familiar faces, alongside newcomers, and seen many unveilings and product launches. All in all, it has reminded us that AIX is the place to be for the aircraft interiors industry. We look forward to next year, seeing what’s in store for the next generation of aircraft interiors.”
