AIX prepares to take cabin concepts to new heights
Aircraft Interiors Expo returns for the 2024 edition on May 28
Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) is returning to the Hamburg Messe from May 28 to 30, and is set to provide the world’s leading platform for airlines and cabin interiors professionals across the global supply chain to shape the cabin concepts of the future.
The global aircraft cabin interiors market is experiencing a surge, with a projected CAGR of 6.81 percent from 2024 to 2032 (WhaTech), the April 2nd press release said, adding that this growth correlates to a renewed demand for international travel, with recovery rates notably highest in the Asia-Pacific region (Pacific Asia Travel Association). Against this backdrop, AIX will offer attendees opportunities to explore the latest innovations and network with exhibitors.
Trends taking off in 2024
The 2024 edition will welcome thousands of visitors and senior airline buyers, all looking to source products and solutions for the cabin of the future. Featuring the world’s biggest names in the aircraft interiors industry, the show will offer networking as well as learning opportunities through dedicated speaker programs. Already confirmed to attend are representatives from American Airlines, United Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Air France, EVA Airways, Southwest Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, EL AL Israeli Airline, Air Transat and Air New Zealand.
At this year’s expo, increased adoption of eco-friendly materials, exploring lighter weight alternatives and implementing innovative design strategies to minimize the environmental impact of air travel, will all be on display from Zotefoams, Expliseat, Muirhead and more. Sustainability continues to be a focus actively seeking solutions to reduce emissions and optimize fuel efficiency, featuring eco-friendly and weight-saving solutions from companies like Teledyne, Simona Boltaron and Lantal.
Improving the passenger experience for both leisure and business travellers remains a top priority for all elements of the supply chain. With the latest advancements in inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) playing a key role in aviation interiors, AIX will showcase exhibitors pushing the boundaries of inflight Wi-Fi and entertainment systems. Companies exhibiting at AIX for the first time, including Rosen Aviation and Stellar Entertainment, will join returning exhibitors Astronics, Thales, Panasonic Avionics Corporation.
AIX’s BizJet offering continues to grow this year, with refurbishment, interior design and completion products and services all on display. Equipment developer and supplier, Aerospace Technologies Group and aerospace service provider Fokker Services Group will be showcasing their latest innovations to serve the business jet market.
Immersed in innovation
AIX 2024 will bring together more than 400 exhibitors and more than 1,000 products for the aircraft cabin interiors market, with the latest solutions and partnerships set to be announced during the three-day event. Attendees will be able to meet and engage with industry leaders, including more than 20 new exhibitors to the show such as PINET INDUSTRIES, DAHER, Optimum Aero, Peter-Lacke and SABENA TECHNICS.
Teledyne will bring its award-winning ACES® Cabin Air Monitoring System which reduces operational costs for airlines. Specialists in thermoplastic materials, Simona Boltaron offers lightweight cabin interior applications, while Muirhead will display its LightCore™ leather range which is 33 percent lighter than standard leather. Lantal provides an alternative approach to sustainable cabin seating materials, with its new natural leather using a wet-green® tanning process to reduce water consumption during the manufacturing process.
The event will recognize the importance of inclusivity and accessible travel, with companies like Airchair and Operational Aviation Solutions exhibiting. Airchair's lightweight and compact transfer system assists passengers with reduced mobility when boarding and disembarking. Operational Aviation Solutions will also debut the world's first functionally touchless lavatory door, demonstrating advancements in accessibility.
Exhibitors ACM and Avital will present solutions that enhance comfort and satisfaction to encourage passenger well-being. ACM’s interactive meditation app and Avital's passenger monitoring system support a holistic and enjoyable travel experience for passengers. SCHOTT will demonstrate how flexible lighting solutions contribute to a relaxing cabin environment for passengers.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to connect with industry newcomer, Swiss consulting service provider, Adequate Swiss; sustainable interior design experts, Avalon; 3D printing technologist, Materialise; and textile manufacturers, Vandewiele. Each will showcase its unique offerings in the growing market.
Inflight connectivity
The inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) market is projected to reach USD 6.1 billion by 2026 with a 5.2 percent growth rate (MarketsandMarkets) and will take the spotlight at AIX 2024.
The expo’s dedicated IFEC Zone will enable visitors to easily find the latest advancements, designed to elevate the passenger experience. This year, the zone reflects the industry's growing focus on LEO satellite solutions, offering airlines and passengers the potential for higher bandwidth, lower latency and a seamless inflight experience.
More than 50 exhibitors will gather in the IFEC zone, including industry leaders like Hughes, Eclipse, and Telesat. These companies are developing and deploying innovative connectivity solutions, leveraging both GEO and LEO satellite technologies to ensure reliable and efficient inflight internet access. Also in the IFEC Zone, Aeroplay will demonstrate how it delivers tailored content for airlines and ThinKom will showcase its advanced antenna solutions.
Gladi8tor, alongside partner Inflight Media Digital, will present its gaming entertainment ecosystem for the modern traveller. AirFi will join the IFEC Zone to highlight its LEO connectivity solution.
Industry panels and topics
CabinSpace Live, the show’s dedicated speaker theatre, will offer attendees opportunities to hear and learn from the industry’s most experienced leaders and experts. The first day’s program will explore key industry topics through several sessions including “Cabin environment: Achieving the ultimate ambiance and well-being for passengers”, “In-flight entertainment: A captive audience” and “Cabin refurbishment: Investing to impress”.
Day two of CabinSpace Live will host panels and presentations touching on current trends in cabin interiors, including sessions: “An MRO perspective on elevating aircraft cabin interiors” and “The use and impact of predictive maintenance on aircraft cabin refurbishment.”
Celebrating the leading designs
The Crystal Cabin Awards will take place on the evening of the first day of the show, May 28th, 2024. The recent shortlist announced 72 products spanning the eight award categories and demonstrated the strides the industry is making to deliver sustainable aircraft with a seamless, comfortable experience for passengers.
Winning entries will also be presented at CabinSpace Live on May 29th.
The Hamburg Messe + Congress will host AIX 2024 from May 28th to 30th
The destination to learn and collaborate
The Passenger Experience Conference will take place one day ahead of AIX on May 27th at the Hamburg Messe, bringing together experts and visionaries from airlines, airframers, OEMs, the global supply chain and design organizations to discuss this year’s theme of “Innovating tomorrow’s travel experiences.”
Experts from Air Canada, Airbus, Orson Associates, Gen Phoenix, Doy Design, Flying Disabled, Omnevo, Delta Air Lines, Boeing and Icelandair will be among those collaborating to respond to the needs of travellers flying into the next decade. Attending delegates can join thought-provoking discussions and panels, uncover emerging and exclusive insights regarding future direction for passenger experiences and contribute to the vision for the cabin of the future.
The 2024 edition of the conference will feature three streams: “Future Now” will discuss the changes to the passenger experience already in progress. “Future Connected” sessions will dive into how aviation can navigate the ever-competitive travel landscape, how data and technology can ease the way and create opportunity, as well as how innovations across different travel systems can inspire fresh ideas. “Future Efficient” will examine how airlines and supply chain partners can boost profits, streamline processes and reduce costly wastage while delivering desirable value and quality of experience to passengers.
Among those confirmed to speak are Christopher Wood of Flying Disabled and Roberto Castiglioni of Reduced Mobility Rights, joining a representative from Boeing to discuss initiatives improving the inflight experience for travellers with disabilities.
Michael Raasch, Chief Executive Officer, Omnevo; Kolbrun Ýr Jónsdóttir, Product Manager Inflight Service & Experience, Products & Service Management, Icelandair; and Kevin Clark, CEO, Bluebox Aviation Systems will be joining a conversation on the potential of artificial intelligence to revolutionize inflight experiences.
The Welcome Party, following the conference, will also offer networking opportunities, by bringing together the industry under one roof. Tickets are also available to non-conference delegates.
Making connections in advance
All show attendees can streamline their experience and maximize investment into the show with AIX Connect, the show’s online planning tool. The platform offers personalized matchmaking recommendations and search tools to schedule meetings ahead of the event. In 2023, AIX Connect facilitated more than 3,400 meetings over the course of three days.
“We look forward to welcoming the industry in Hamburg in May to highlight exceptional passenger experiences, upcoming interior insights, supply chain partnerships, and cabin expertise. AIX remains the only show where the biggest airlines and members of the supply chain come together to discuss cabin interiors, and with 2024 expected to be a year of growth for businesses, we are delighted to play a supporting role in that,” said Polly Magraw, Event Director, Aircraft Interiors Expo.
Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) returns to the Hamburg Messe from May 28 to 30 in Halls B1 to B7.
It will follow Passenger Experience Conference (PEC) on May 27th and is co-located with the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE), which can be found in Halls A1 and A4. An AIX badge allows delegates free access to WTCE.
Registration for Aircraft Interiors Expo 2024 is now open.
