• Archana Dharni appointed as new Event Director to bring fresh strategic vision to the world’s most important event for the cabin interiors and inflight entertainment industry.
• With a decade of experience working in the passenger experience sector, Archana will focus overall vision, planning, and execution of AIX, leading a team to build on the show’s reputation as the only place to source new solutions and debate the critical issues affecting the cabin.
• AIX will deliver new opportunities for exhibitors and attendees in 2025, building on the latest additions to the event in recent years.

16 OCTOBER, LONDON: RX Global has appointed Archana Dharni as the new Event Director of Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) and Passenger Experience Conference (PEC), to oversee delivery of the world’s most important events for the cabin interiors and inflight entertainment industry.

A new, but familiar face at AIX

Archana brings over 20 years’ expertise in event management, with roles across marketing, strategy, commercial and operational delivery. During this time, she has worked in a diverse range of sectors, including technology, aviation, packaging, manufacturing, and alternative energies.

At RX, Archana managed AIX’s co-located event, World Travel Catering & Onboard Services EXPO (WTCE) from 2013-2020, during which the event grew year-on-year, becoming the world’s leading platform for inflight catering, onboard services and passenger comfort. Over the last few years, she has worked on various strategic projects to grow AIX and WTCE. And most recently she was responsible for the marketing of AIX, as well as delivering the Cabin Space Live and PEC educational programmes.

In her new role, Archana will work to cement AIX and PEC’s long-term status as the most important event in the aircraft interiors and passenger experience calendar. With a fresh perspective and renewed vision, she will leverage AIX’s position as the industry’s premier sourcing hub and knowledge platform, fostering innovation and collaboration across the supply chain to address the critical challenges facing airlines today.

The growth of AIX

Dharni succeeds Polly Magraw – AIX’s Event Director from 2015-2024 – who has moved into a new strategic role at RX. As Portfolio Director of Transport, she becomes responsible for the strategic vision and direction of a number of global events, specifically AIX, WTCE, the Airport Show Dubai, Inter Airport Europe, Railtex, and Sifer Expo.

Under Magraw’s stewardship, AIX grew in strength and size, boasting over 350 exhibiting companies and attracting more than 12,000 international attendees in 2024. Since the show originally launched over two decades ago, the show has run 23 editions and grown to become the largest and most comprehensive passenger experience event globally.

Archana Dharni, Event Director for AIX, said:

“It’s a privilege to step into this role after a decade working closely with AIX, PEC and all of its partners. I’ve witnessed firsthand how the event has grown and become increasingly important to the global cabin interiors industry, which is down to Polly’s exceptional vision and leadership. I’m excited to build on that strong foundation and further enhance the event’s global reputation. We’re already deep into planning for 2025 and can’t wait to present the next edition with new features and themes.”

Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) will take place in Halls B1-B7 at the Hamburg Messe, Germany, from 8-10 April 2025. The event will be co-located with the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) in Halls A1 and A4, following the Passenger Experience Conference (PEC) on 7 April.

For more information or to register interest for 2025, visit the website here.