Bucher Group puts airline identity at the center of sustainable cabin innovation
This is a special feature from the May 2026 Post-AIX/PAX Awards issue of PAX Tech, on page 88.
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Beat Burlet, CEO, Bucher Group at AIX 2026
Bucher Group showcased a variety of cabin equipment solutions in Hamburg, Germany, last month for the 25th edition of the Aircraft Interiors Expo, putting custom design and branding at the forefront of its display. PAX Tech sat down with Beat Burlet, CEO, Bucher Group, at the expo to discuss how the supplier is not just meeting the customization demands of airlines but also delivering onboard solutions that support sustainability and operational efficiency.
Supplying SFE Galleys and Stowage solutions
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Bucher’s galley solution for SWISS on display at AIX
“We have a couple of different exhibits this year,” Burlet says. “Our main focus is on our SFE Galley that we have developed together with Airbus for their catalog.”
Recently selected as a SFE Galleys and Stowage supplier for the manufacturer, Bucher will deliver its first customized shipset this year, following three years of development on its new G1B Galley platform.
The G1B Galley, on display at AIX 2026, is engineered to meet stringent CS 25.795 safety standards, with a focus on cockpit security. The design incorporates a reinforced structural barrier capable of withstanding extreme physical loads and forced entry attempts, alongside energy-absorbing features to mitigate kinetic threats.
While specific details of the ballistic protection system remain confidential, Bucher confirms the solution complies with the highest applicable safety and certification requirements.
Design rooted in practicality
In 2025, Bucher placed significant focus on Design and Branding Elements at AIX, which Burlet says received positive feedback.
“That feedback led us to, again, exhibit a highly customized Branding Panel with lighting and decor application,” Burlet explains, adding that lightweight products remain in high demand.
In terms of what airlines are most focused on when selecting Galleys, monuments and Stowages at present, Bucher says lightweight products are in high demand.
“We have worked on making our monuments lighter by using different materials and designing them in a way that we use less material. That has been a big push,” he explains.
He adds that maintainability is also a key concern as airlines do not want to replace parts or have failures during service.
“The focus is on designing something reliable. And if it breaks, it needs to be maintainable so parts can be easily exchanged,” Burlet says.
Selected by SWISS
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Bucher’s galley solution for SWISS on display at AIX
At AIX, Bucher announced that it is advancing its long-standing partnership with Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) through major retrofit programs across the carrier’s A330-300 and 777-300ER fleets.
For the airline’s 777-300ER fleet, Bucher will support the retrofit of 12 aircraft, following earlier line-fit work on Galley and Stowage systems. The redesign aligns with the “SWISS Senses” cabin concept, integrating updated Galley layouts that reflect a more cohesive and refined onboard environment.
The 777 retrofit introduces the vacuum-based Galley Waste Deposit Unit, designed to efficiently manage liquid waste during flight. The system aims to reduce maintenance requirements, prevent pipe blockages and improve overall operational reliability, while automated shut-off functions help minimize downtime.
For the A330-300s, Bucher is delivering retrofit enhancements across 14 aircraft, including redesigned Galleys and upgraded Stowage units. These solutions incorporate integrated self-service sections for both Business and Economy Class.
Bucher showcased its Door 2 Galley developed for SWISS at its booth in Hamburg, with Burlet highlighting the Galley’s customized features and silent luxury concept. Bucher took the SWISS cabin interior color scheme and applied the concept to the monuments it is providing for the A330 and 777 programs.
Burlet says that the use of different decor applications, from various textures to color choices, make it a standout from typical monuments, integrating the silent luxury concept that is synonymous with the brand.
