AIX LA to highlight cabin interiors trends
Exhibitors at the Aircraft Interiors Expo Los Angeles, held this year from September 10 to 12, are gearing up to highlight the future trends and products transforming cabin interiors and the passenger experience. With a host of new products on show, from seating materials to flooring and interior paints and coverings, attendees can see for themselves what is new in cabin and passenger innovation.
The cabin comfort dilemma
Following the launch of the A321XLR – the world’s "longest range" narrow-body plane – and a growing move by airlines to densify their narrow body fleets, airlines are under greater pressure to offer passenger comfort and a sense of spaciousness, while maximizing the space available on board.
Demonstrating the latest in seating innovations, Aviointeriors S.p.A. will reveal its new Adagio high density business class seat for both wide and narrow body aircraft ranging from eight abreast to five. The seat is aligned as all forward facing with exclusive 100% aisle access and fully flat configuration. It includes the Relaxor massage system and a pneumatic lumbar support, made in memory foam for added passenger comfort. The company will also showcase its artist-inspired ranges, including the Canova Business Class; Caravaggio Premium Economy and Michelangelo Economy seats – the latter of which has been designed to improve the experience on long-haul flights. While Italian premium seatmaker Optimares will demonstrate why it focuses on traveler-centric design to enrich lives and deliver truly unique passenger experiences.
Driving passenger comfort
With a global emphasis on passenger comfort and an increasing number of air travelers continuing to be a major market driver – passenger numbers are expected to rise by 5% year-on-year to 4.6 billion – improving comfort using materials will also be high on the agenda at AIX LA. Tapis Corporation will present its durable, luxurious fabrics that meet requirements for commercial, corporate and VIP aircraft without sacrificing design needs, while Botany Weaving Mill Ltd will reveal its range of aircraft seat fabrics, carpets and curtain fabrics currently used by over 200 global airlines.
Demonstrating its commitment to making the greenest, safest product possible by reducing its use of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) will be Aerofoam Industries. The company uses a dry adhesive for dress cover lamination that virtually eliminates all VOCs. In addition, its Comfort Foam series is designed to be inherently fire retardant, meaning they don’t require the additional layers of fireblocking which results in volatile spray adhesives.
Also demonstrating its range of innovative materials is Euro Composites S.A. The company will demonstrate its durable floor panels, suitable for aisles, entrances/exits, galleys, cargo bays and under seats. While Schneller will reveal its newest, light-weight reinforced decorative laminate, AerTrim sofTouch®, which is designed with a unique soft feel. Engineered to cover flat or slightly curved two-dimensional parts, the product is ideal for premium cabins and seats, and combines a comfortable passenger feel with durability to deliver an exceptional tactical passenger experience. Available in a broad range of colors and textures, it provides cabin designers with the ultimate freedom while providing the aesthetic consistency required of premium cabin accommodations.
Demonstrating growth in galley innovation
According to new industry research, the worldwide market for aircraft galley equipment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 0.7% over the next five years to $810 million by 2024 – up from $780 million in 2019, according to Market Research Gazette. Exhibitors at AIX LA will display a wealth of product innovations for use in aircraft galleys including first class lavatory housing from Euro Composites S.A., while Diehl Aviation will showcase its Air Refrigeration Unit (ARU), InnoLite Toiler Assembly and a Space Optimised Lavatory.
Event Director Polly Magraw commented in a statement: “With the industry’s leading seating manufacturers, suppliers of flooring, galley equipment, fasteners, air conditioning systems and lighting/LED equipment all exhibiting at the show, AIX LA is the ideal place for airline buyers, OEMs and tier one suppliers to further business conversations and see the latest products on show.”
