As Aircraft Interiors Expo celebrates its 25th edition, few companies can claim to have been part of every single one – but CELSO can. The French family-owned company has grown alongside AIX since the very first show in 2000, transforming from a regional supplier near Toulouse into a recognised global specialist in high-performance foam solutions for aircraft seating and interiors.

We spoke with Agnès Timbre, President of CELSO, and Aurélien Timbre, Business Development Manager and fifth-generation member of the family business, to reflect on their 25-year journey with AIX and how both CELSO and the industry have evolved together.

This year marks 25 editions of AIX, and CELSO has been there from the very beginning. How does it feel to have grown alongside the show for a quarter of a century?

Agnès Timbre:
First of all, it makes me feel old! But truly, AIX has been, and continues to be, a key driver of CELSO’s growth in the aerospace sector. We’ve really grown up together. I still remember that first “intimate” edition in Cannes. It was small, almost like a family gathering, but we immediately felt it was something special and said, “We have to be there.”

When the show moved to Hamburg, we were a little sad to leave the glamour of Cannes behind, but we understood why – AIX was expanding rapidly. Today it’s become the meeting point for the aircraft interiors community – the place where everyone in the industry connects, shares news, and builds friendships.

From your perspective, how has the aircraft interiors industry changed since CELSO’s first AIX?

Agnès Timbre:
The evolution has been incredible. In the early years, there were only a few main players. Over time, we’ve seen the arrival of many new companies, as well as big mergers: for example, Zodiac becoming part of Safran. These changes have pushed everyone to innovate and improve.

The market itself has also grown enormously. Even after the difficult COVID period, we’ve seen strong recovery and new opportunities, especially in business and private aviation. AIX has reflected that growth every step of the way.

How has CELSO transformed over these 25 years?

Aurélien Timbre:
Our strategy has evolved with the market. We first built our reputation by supplying cockpit seat cushions for the entire Airbus family, whose headquarters are just 30 minutes from our facility. That experience gave us credibility, and through AIX we later connected with Boeing, which remains one of our proudest milestones.

Can you share the story of how you first connected with Boeing?

Agnès Timbre:
I’ll never forget that story. One year, I travelled to Hamburg determined to meet Boeing’s cockpit seat supplier. On the first morning, while tidying our stand, two English gentlemen approached asking to meet “Madame Timbre.” They thought I was part of the cleaning crew, but they were the people I had come to find! Boeing had asked them to meet us. For a small family company from France to be recognised across the Atlantic, that was magical. That’s what AIX means to me.

The sector’s demands are evolving, from sustainability to passenger comfort and safety standards. How is CELSO responding?

Aurélien Timbre:
Aircraft cushions must meet extremely strict standards for fire resistance, toxicity, smoke density, and heat release, which limits the materials we can use. Our expertise is in knowing these materials inside out and developing solutions that balance comfort, safety, weight, durability, and environmental impact. We continuously test new materials and combinations in our in-house materials characterisation laboratory to ensure they meet both regulatory requirements and customer expectations.

Sustainability is a key focus: we’re constantly exploring more eco-friendly foams, and optimising designs for lighter weight to reduce fuel consumption.

Agnès Timbre:
Passenger expectations have also evolved dramatically – comfort, ergonomics, and personalisation are more important than ever. We draw inspiration from other sectors, like medical applications, where foam design can support people with very specific needs. That knowledge feeds back into our aeronautical products, helping us design cushions that improve comfort for pilots and passengers alike while still meeting the highest safety and durability standards.

What role has AIX played in CELSO’s development?

Agnès Timbre:
AIX is essential for us. It’s where we meet our partners, customers, and suppliers. Many of our biggest opportunities, including Boeing and Bombardier, came from encounters at AIX.

But it’s also personal. Over 25 years, I’ve built lasting friendships through this show -people I still speak with even if we’ve never worked together. It’s a community as much as a business event.

CELSO is known for its creative and unconventional exhibition stands. Tell us more about that.

Agnès Timbre:
Yes! About ten years ago, I decided to stop bringing aircraft seats to our booth. Everyone else was showing seats, and I wanted to do something different – something artistic that would surprise people and show the beauty of foam.

We’ve made giant chess sets, foam sculptures inspired by the Place Vendôme in Paris, even handbags and perfume bottles shaped entirely from foam to celebrate French luxury. Last year we presented a catwalk, a haute couture fashion show, where every dress, bag and accessory was made from foam!

Visitors are always curious because they can’t believe these creations are made from the same materials we use for aircraft seating. It’s our way of showing creativity and craftsmanship, and every year, people come to see what CELSO will do next.

What are you looking forward to at AIX 2026?

Aurélien Timbre:
This year will be special. We’ve just expanded our production capacity with a new factory, so we’re ready to meet growing demand, especially in the VIP and business jet segments.

The new Business Jet Zone at AIX is exciting. It’s a sign of how much that market is growing. Many companies that used to focus on other shows are now joining AIX instead, because this is where the key decision-makers are.

Agnès Timbre:
Yes, we always look forward to seeing familiar faces, and to meeting new ones. Each year, AIX brings high-level visitors, including CEOs and program leaders, not just purchasing teams. The quality of those connections is invaluable.

Finally, what advice would you give to someone exhibiting at AIX for the first time?

Agnès Timbre:
Simply: Come. It’s the best event in this business – the only one where everyone who matters is there. The investment is worth it. You’ll find partners, ideas, and inspiration that you won’t get anywhere else.

And if you’re curious, come by the CELSO booth. We promise, it won’t look like anyone else’s!

In three words, how would you sum up AIX?

Agnès Timbre: The place to be. (Sorry — that’s four!)

Visit CELSO at AIX 2026 (14-16 April, Hamburg Messe) at Stand 5E45 and 5E40 to see this year’s creative foam installation, and discover how a fifth-generation family business is shaping the future of aircraft comfort.