SEKISUI KYDEX, EnCore unveil ‘Parlor’ social galley concept at AIX 2026
Parlor social galley concept designed for wide-body aircraft cabins
At the 2026 Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), SEKISUI KYDEX is moving beyond material samples and renderings with the debut of a full-scale, wide-body interior concept developed in partnership with Boeing subsidiary EnCore.
Known as the “Parlor,” the installation reimagines the traditional aircraft galley as a customer-facing social space designed for premium cabins. Positioned as a destination within the aircraft, the concept allows passengers to serve themselves beverages and snacks in an open, hospitality-inspired environment, shifting the galley from a purely operational area to a more engaging part of the onboard experience.
Developed as a real-world application rather than a conceptual exercise, the Parlor combines SEKISUI KYDEX’s high-performance thermoplastics with EnCore’s industrial design and manufacturing expertise. The result is a space that reflects both aesthetic ambition and practical considerations tied to airline and OEM requirements.
“While the idea of a pantry is not new, the way we’re exploring how materiality shapes the passenger experience is,” said Tom Eaton, Chief Designer, Cabin and Interiors at Boeing. “The Parlor is designed to evoke a more residential, hospitality-inspired aesthetic to create a destination within the aircraft where passengers feel genuinely welcomed and leave with a lasting impression.”
The installation features a curated range of KYDEX Thermoplastics, including Infused Imaging technology, KYDEX 7115 Lumina and Kleerdex custom translucents. These materials are used to demonstrate how texture, depth and light interaction can be leveraged to enhance brand expression and visual appeal in aircraft interiors. Integrated lighting elements further highlight how specialty materials perform in a cabin environment, offering designers and airlines a tangible look at future possibilities.
Textured materials and layered finishes featured in the Parlor concept
For SEKISUI KYDEX, the Parlor signals a shift toward more immersive, application-driven showcases. Rather than presenting individual materials in isolation, the company is emphasizing how its products function within a fully realized cabin environment.
“We wanted to move beyond samples and renderings and show a built concept that designers, airlines and OEMs could experience,” said Kellie Walter, Aviation Market Business Manager at SEKISUI KYDEX. “This project illustrates what can be accomplished in a short period of time when partners are committed to solving challenges together.”
EnCore’s role in the collaboration reflects its focus on developing cabin interiors that balance passenger experience with manufacturability and operational efficiency. By grounding the concept in real-world constraints, the partners aimed to create a solution that feels both aspirational and achievable for future wide-body programs.
Looking ahead, the Parlor is intended to evolve. SEKISUI KYDEX and EnCore plan to refresh materials, finishes and design elements over time, using the installation as an ongoing platform for collaboration and innovation. The goal is to demonstrate how cabin spaces can adapt to shifting passenger expectations, airline branding strategies and broader design trends.
The Parlor is on display at SEKISUI KYDEX stand 5D40 at AIX 2026, offering attendees a first-hand look at how material innovation and collaborative design could shape the next generation of aircraft interiors.
