Registration Is Now Open for AIX 2023

Registration Is Now Open for AIX 2023

Visitor registration is now open for this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) and co-located World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE), which will take place from 6-8 June 2023, at Hamburg Messe, Germany. Register today and join the global cabin interiors and onboard services community.

Creating the cabins of the future, together

Aviation and rail professionals from across the globe will be able to view the latest products and services from the cabin interiors and onboard services supply chain. Across the three-day show, attendees can touch and test the latest products and services from across:

  • Seating
  • In-flight Entertainment and Connectivity
  • Aircraft Manufacturer
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cabin Management Systems
  • Fasteners
  • Lavatory & Waste Equipment
  • Galleys & Galley Equipment
  • Lighting / LEDs
  • BizJet Refurbishment and Interior Design

and much more.

600+ Suppliers, 1,000+ Products

Representatives from key airlines will be joined by leading suppliers including Acro Aircraft Seating, Thales, AJW Technique Interiors, Telesat, ViaSat, Thompson Aero Seating, STELIA Aerospace, Panasonic and KID-Systeme GmbH.

They will be joined by a number of first-time exhibitors including 9T Labs, Lamberts London, SkyFive, Pariani Srl, Hughes and many more.

AIX Connect

With the return of AIX Connect, attendees can pre-schedule meetings with new or existing business connections, receive personalised matchmaking recommendations, discover new contacts, and arrive at the show with an organised schedule.

IFEC Zone

AIX’s IFEC Zone will return to halls B2-B4 to bring all the hardware, software, digital tools, connectivity solutions and content services together that will help airlines to deliver highly desirable consumer opportunities to their passengers.

Passenger Experience Conference

The Passenger Experience Conference (PEC), taking place the day before AIX will return, hosted at CCH – Congress Center Hamburg to offer a programme of conference sessions covering sustainability, passenger experience, revitalised transport modalities and repurposing onboard materials and their effects on the industry.

woman speaking at cabin space live with projector

CabinSpace Live

CabinSpace Live Seminar provides a dedicated theatre at Aircraft Interiors Expo to discuss the cabin of tomorrow and beyond. Gain insights from industry thought leaders and fellow peers as they share experiences and case studies to help you source solutions and elevate your business strategies.

Informational sessions will cover IFEC, cabin interiors, business jets, sustainability, accessibility, and more across the three days of the event and are free to attend.

VIP Programme

If you are an employee of an airline, leasing company or BizJet operator, now you can unlock the benefits of being an AIX VIP, including:

  • VIP AIX Connect Access for upgraded access to so you can network and arrange meetings with exhibitors and other VIP industry peers before the event.
  • VIP Lounge Access with a place to relax, work or network away from the show floor. Lunch, snacks and refreshments are available throughout the event.
  • Dedicated VIP Entrance to skip the queue and access the Airline Club Lounge from 8 am on show opening days.
  • VIP Digital Gift Bag with exclusive deals, giveaways and promo items.
  • Discounted Rate for PEC to gain valuable insights into the industry and help shape the future of passenger experience.

Register today for AIX

To register for your pass to attend AIX, click the button below.



Aircraft Interiors Expo returns as aviation industry recovery gains momentum

Aircraft Interiors Expo returns as aviation industry recovery gains momentum

After a long-anticipated wait, Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), the destination for the cabin interiors industry, will return to Hamburg, Germany from 14-16 June 2022 for its first physical event in three years. With growing momentum in the recovery of air travel, the event returns at a critical time to reunite the industry, creating a sought-after opportunity to connect face-to-face and source the latest cabin innovations in person.


Take your place at AIX with a ticket to this year’s must-attend event.


Aviation industry showing signs of recovery

Data published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) paints an optimistic outlook for the airline industry, with hopes that it has now left the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic behind it. The data, revealed an 11% increase in international tickets in recent weeks – the fastest increase for any two-week period since the crisis began. This follows an Oliver Wyman report which revealed that the global fleet is anticipated to grow to 38,100 by 2032 – a compound growth rate of 4.1% over the decade.

Several people look at an aircraft seating arrangement.
AIX offers unparalleled access to aircraft interior products.

Resuming its pivotal role in helping the world’s airlines source the latest cabin innovations, technologies, inflight entertainment and connectivity solutions, AIX will welcome more than 400 aviation suppliers this June. Filling 11 halls of the Hamburg Messe, the event returns at a comparable size to the last physical event in 2019, demonstrating a commitment from an industry excited for the opportunity to network and demonstrate their latest products. Among those confirmed to exhibit, major OEMs, Boeing and Airbus, as well as industry stalwarts such as Safran, Stelia Aerospace, Diehl Aviation, Jamco Corporation, Collins Aerospace, Lufthansa Technik, STG Aerospace, Sabeti Wain Aerospace, Tapis Corporation and Recaro will come together to highlight the emerging innovation and collaboration that is fuelling the aviation industry’s recovery.

In addition, the event’s popular In-flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) Zone returns to offer attendees a chance to gain insights into the most up-to-date technology solutions covering everything from servers to OTT systems, and 5G to VR from the likes of Astronics, Thales and Panasonic Avionics Corporation.

A person talks to two other people at Aircraft Interiors Expo
Exhibitors showcase their interior products to a global audience at AIX.

Building connections in person

Helping attendees make up for lost time and build a schedule of invaluable meetings ahead of the show, the organisers have announced it will introduce its efficient show planning tool, AIX Connect to Hamburg for the first time. With more than 400 exhibitors showcasing over 1,000 products, the programme will facilitate targeted business connections based on specific product requirements. It is designed to help key airline buyers meet exhibitors during the show to build connections and discuss new projects.

A presenter speaks at CabinSpace LIVE Seminar Theatre
The CabinSpace LIVE Seminar Theatre has a variety of experts speaking.

Also returning to AIX, the popular, free-to-attend CabinSpace LIVE Seminar Theatre will welcome cabin interior leaders to inspire and debate current market trends and challenges. The carefully curated programme will include an industry market outlook from Cirium, Business Aviation panels and insights from innovative start-ups. Attendees can also join the team from Airbus Scale – an innovative unit that brings together corporate innovation, start-up engagement and company building activities to pioneer sustainable aerospace and develop Airbus’ future programs and businesses.  A full programme of topics and speakers will be announced in the coming months.

Providing another reason to celebrate the return of AIX, the CabinSpace LIVE Seminar Theatre will also play host to the winners of the Crystal Cabin Awards – the only international awards for excellence in aircraft interior innovation. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the awards recognise and honour the very best innovations for the aircraft cabin, spanning eight categories. This includes Cabin Concepts, Cabin Systems, Health & Safety, IFEC & Digital Services, Material & Components, Passenger Comfort, University and for the first time, its new Sustainable Cabin category.

Several people celebrate winning an award.
Crystal Cabin Awards winners in 2019.

Gain a 360° view of the aviation industry

With the world undergoing significant social change, and the aviation sector embracing new business models and revenue streams, attendees can immerse themselves in new ideas and concepts at the Passenger Experience Conference, which returns on Monday, 13 June 2022. Welcoming renowned and acclaimed global aviation leaders, attendees can learn more about how the industry will be building back differently through a wide range of topics from the growing importance of intermodal travel, rapid digitalisation, and sustainability.

Attendees at AIX will also benefit from its co-location with World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) – which will celebrate its 10th anniversary at this year’s event. Drawing a wider audience to the show, the co-location with WTCE and the Passenger Experience Conference offers attendees a 360° view of the industry, providing a comprehensive platform to identify products and services from all corners of the industry.

Polly Magraw, Event Director, commented: “After three years since the last in-person event, we’re excited to bring the entire industry together once again in June. AIX continues to offer attendees the widest range of innovative products, ideas and solutions in one definitive marketplace. We’re counting down the days until we can once again facilitate the much-needed networking and sourcing opportunities needed to accelerate the recovery of the cabin interior and passenger experience industry.”

Get your ticket to Aircraft Interiors Expo

Take your place at AIX with a ticket to this year’s must-attend event.

The key trends airlines will follow in 2021

The key trends airlines will follow in 2021

Not so long ago the main preoccupation of passenger experience thinkers at airlines was how to get travellers in seats and to keep everyone happy.

That was the old reality, but if any message has emerged from recent trend-spotting reports from organisations such as Euromonitor, Springwise and Trendwatching, consumer awareness and expectations have significantly shifted. Let’s have a closer look at those new expectations.

The brand will be key for airlines

Specifically, customers are predicted to be much more brand conscious regarding those organisations that make positive contributions to the sustainability of our planet and our societies. The need for clean, driven by the pandemic, is here to stay. And the adoption of digital technologies that bridge the physical distance between us will continue to accelerate.

Trends that were just over the horizon not so long ago, are now established fact. Digging into the detail reveals both the need to change quickly and areas of opportunity for the coming year.

An Alaska Airlines aircraft flies over the Golden Gate suspension bridge in San Francisco
Alaska Airlines has announced its commitment to using sustainable fuel. (Alaska Airlines)

The recovery is seen as the chance for a green reset. This is underscored by Euromonitor International’s Top 10 Global Consumer Trends 2021, which advocates a shift from a volume- to a value-driven economy.  “Brands that rebuild a greener and more equitable world could gain not only a competitive advantage but also the necessary social licence, or trust of society, to operate,” it predicts.

Furthermore, this shift is echoed in 5 Forces of Disruption, the 2021 forecast from Re_Set Advisory and Springwise, which highlights that seven in ten consumers intend to make permanent behavioural changes to improve their response to the climate emergency. Quick fixes will not cut it, instead, they must look to make meaningful changes, such as de-carbonisation and elimination of plastics throughout the supply chain. “Sustainability must permeate every aspect of doing business,” state the innovation specialists.

A continued focus on sustainability for airlines

The business opportunities identified in Trendwatching’s 21 Trends for 2021 include transcycling, where brands make use of their waste to enter new markets. Another is carbon labelling, whereby revealing the true (hidden) cost of products will win customer trust and competitive advantage. It cites a pop-up shop launched by Swedish food brand Felix, where items are priced according to their carbon footprint, saying this approach is spreading to restaurants and fashion brands as well.

We all know that ultimately travellers will expect their consumer experiences on the ground to be reflected in the air, so how should the interiors community respond? For some time now SEKISUI KYDEX’s focus has been to ensure that the lifecycle of its products is sustainable and materials are 100% recyclable. As part of the full lifecycle approach, it partners with the Aircraft Interior Recycling Association (AIRA) to implement recycling streams for materials that reach the end of their use.

A British Airways plane flying with forest and farm land below it.
British Airways is aiming to be net zero by 2050. (British Airways)

Talking with Design Director Karyn McAlphin, circular solutions will be the way forward. She goes on to say: “Socially conscious brands will pursue lighter weight alternatives, redesign structures we’ve relied upon for years, and determine how to take things apart at their end of life to upcycle for different purposes. Ultimately, brands viewed as contributing to a cleaner, healthier, more equitable world will gain a competitive advantage.”

Safe to fly initiatives needed across the industry

Reassuring passengers that it is safe to fly by implementing rigorous cleaning regimes, plus investigating antimicrobial surfaces and materials have been key to the interiors sector’s pandemic strategy. What Euromonitor calls safety obsessed (but might be more easily understood as hygiene obsessed) is not just desirable, but as good as mandatory, with customers expecting efficiency and cleanliness.

A worker wipes the seat back screen onboard an airplane seat
Delta has been one of many airlines to show off their increased cleaning protocols. (Delta)

Definitions of wellness will expand to include mental wellbeing, with Trendwatching spotlighting products and services that seamlessly boost mental and emotional health as an innovation opportunity.  Think about it for a moment. Even before the pandemic, stress has been hardwired into the journey for many passengers. How then should onboard environments and services be developed to alleviate that stress and make travellers better informed and so feel more in control?

A touchless future onboard aircraft

Another aspect of the past year’s need for clean has been going touchless. In our everyday lives, card and mobile payments have dominated the shopping experience when we are able to go outside. While air travel initiatives have ranged from Emirates and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) trialling a digital COVID-19 pass to Jamco and ANA teaming up on a hands-free lavatory door.

Jamco and ANA are developing hands-free door handles as part of ‘Project Blue Sky’. (Jamco)

Going touchless complements, the third force for disruption – high-speed adoption of digital technologies. Re_Set and Springwise observe that a comprehensive digital strategy is now essential. In response to the pandemic, businesses have been experimenting with everything from virtual showrooms to social shopping that blends e-tailing with social media. They predict that other content-first strategies are likely to emerge such as using digitisation to drive greater personalisation.

The realms of the physical and virtual are no longer distinct separate entities. Consumers now rely on digital tools for daily activities, with Euromonitor noting that consumers, especially younger people, are indifferent as to whether these activities are physical or virtual; they no longer distinguish between the two.

2021 will still be challenging for airlines

2020 has changed the culture around flying. B2B or B2C, customers and passengers are questioning everything we did before. How the passenger experience community rises to these challenges in 2021 will have a far-reaching impact in the years to come. What is clear is that shape of the industry in 2021 is already looking very different from the way we imagined just a year ago.

Future Airline Experiences: Connectivity, Accessibility, & Gen Z

Driven by the changing expectations of passengers in an increasingly digital world, air travel is evolving. The nexus of innovative connectivity solutions, entertainment options, and thoughtful interior design is revolutionising air travel.

Airlines that positively harness these trends will achieve both passenger satisfaction and customer loyalty for years to come. Aircraft Interior Expo stands at the forefront of showcasing these developments, and this article offers insights into the key forces reshaping the in-flight experience. 

The generational impact on IFEC

Younger generations are reshaping travel expectations and are becoming a powerful force in driving airline spending decisions. These generations, namely Gen Z and Millennials, prioritise seamless connectivity and expect always-on access to information and entertainment, even while soaring thousands of feet above ground.

Given the growing significance of these hugely influential demographics in the air travel market (now accounting for three quarters of passengers, according to Dynata), airlines are making substantial investments in technologies that transform aircraft cabins into connected hubs.  

man pointing at ThinKom airplane antenna
ThinKom Ku- and Ka-band solutions at AIX 2023

André Valera, Vice President of Business Development, Touch, an AIX exhibitor specialising in in-flight entertainment connectivity solutions, said: “Airlines are actively catering to the tech-savvy, always-connected habits of younger generations onboard through several means. From an in-flight connectivity perspective, prioritising faster, and free, Wi-Fi connectivity to ensure seamless internet access for passengers who rely heavily on their devices for entertainment, work, or socialising.” 

Innovations in connectivity and entertainment

Fast and reliable Wi-Fi has moved from a luxury to a staple. As such, the concept of in-flight entertainment is a reality for many major airlines, and is also being explored by short-haul carriers. The carriers that are investing in cutting-edge connectivity solutions are enabling passengers to stream content, connect on social media, and carry our online activities as easily as they would on the ground.  

Which begs the question, what’s next for in-flight connectivity and entertainment? As with consumers on the ground, personalised entertainment is the driving factor, with content options becoming more inclusive to appeal to diverse passenger bases.

“Both physical and digital solutions can make all passengers feel welcome.”

Jo Rowan, Associate Director of Strategy at PriestmanGoode

From the latest Hollywood blockbusters to niche documentaries, nowadays there’s something to catch the eye of every traveller. Airlines are partnering with content providers to create custom channels and offer a continuously refreshed collection of movies, TV shows, podcasts, and even games. 

man wearing VR headset

Regarding the influence of younger generations on the IFEC industry, Valera has observed a “shift in content preferences”, including an “appetite for gaming”. This has led to Touch investing in exclusive partnerships and licensing agreements to secure popular brands. 

Valera continues: “These generations are digital natives, highly connected, and seek seamless solutions in their travel experiences. Social media plays a crucial role as younger travellers share their experiences online, influencing their peers’ travel decisions and shaping airline brand perceptions. 

On the ground, innovations in entertainment are constantly being announced, with recent launches from major technology brands centred around immersive experiences such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Organisations within the airline interiors industry are taking note.  

Valera says, “Beyond traditional IFE, we believe immersive experiences such as AR and VR will be tested with more appetite for risk, as well as gamification, to provide engaging alternatives to screen-based entertainment and combat screen fatigue.

We are also seeing airlines and several vendors exploring advanced options like voice and gesture control, not only for convenience but also for hygiene and accessibility, crucial factors for the health-conscious younger demographic.” 

A heavy emphasis on instant, high-quality internet requires a reliable network to support it. Hughes Network Systems, an AIX exhibitor, is a leading provider of satellite internet and other satellite-based network solutions. Leveraging several technologies, including GEO and LEO satellites, they provide fast, reliable in-flight Wi-Fi to airlines.  

Reza Rasoulian, Vice President at Hughes, said that the demand for fast, reliable, and always-available connectivity is high: “We’re seeing airlines report that passengers are seeking an experience that mirrors the living room. That means uninterrupted and fast connectivity.

Our customers are always looking to introduce the latest innovations to their passengers, including AR, gaming, and such which can be a demanding technology, bandwidth-wise, and requires low latency.  

Addressing the in-flight needs of diverse travellers

Meeting the needs of passenger demographics is key to a successful airline strategy. Beyond younger generations, airlines must make specific allowances for the needs of business travellers, leisure passengers, and families.  

Jo Rowan, Associate Director of Strategy at PriestmanGoode, understands the challenges of satisfying a diverse passenger base.  

Rowan explains, “While younger generations crave tech-driven experiences, older demographics may have different preferences. Striking a balance between these contrasting needs is essential for ensuring a positive experience for all travellers.

This challenge is compounded when you separate passengers into two groups, business, and leisure. It’s all about striking the right balance between creating a space that offers valuable productivity time, and a relaxing environment for those that wish to switch off. Every detail needs to be considered.” 

For business travellers, in-flight time is seen as space for valuable productivity. Consequently, airlines are looking for cabin interior design and services with this in mind. Features like reliable Wi-Fi connections, secure video conferencing functionality, and dedicated workspaces allow these travellers to maintain their on-the-go workflow from the skies. 

“Passengers are seeking an experience that mirrors the living room. That means uninterrupted and fast connectivity.”

Reza Rasoulian, Vice President at Hughes

Airlines are looking to AI and machine learning (ML), as Valera explains: “We utilise partnerships with content usage data providers like Parrot Analytics to gather insights into passenger preferences and behaviours. Additionally, performance data collected from the IFE systems we operate on behalf of our airline customers is feeding our AI/ML models, allowing us to curate personalised content recommendations tailored to the specific needs and interests of each passenger segment, including business and leisure travellers.”  

It’s not only through software that the in-flight entertainment experience can be optimised for business passengers, as Rowan explains. 

“With regard to physical space within the cabin, designers consider all aspects of the interior. This includes providing options for noise-cancellation, privacy screens, and enhanced access to productivity tools, such as screen mirroring. This allows business travellers to focus on work or simply unwind without unnecessary distractions.” 

wheelchair on plinth

Accessibility options

A focus on accessibility is paramount to a satisfying passenger experience for everyone. Inclusive design in onboard entertainment systems is becoming more relevant, with options like closed captioning for the hearing impaired, audio descriptions for the visually impaired, and easy-to-navigate interfaces essential for user-friendliness across the board. 

PriestmanGoode advocates for more inclusive cabin spaces, as part of the consortium working on the innovative “Air 4 All” concept back in 2021, a seating system that allows powered wheelchair users to remain in their own wheelchairs for the entire journey.  

Rowan explains how in the pursuit of innovation, inclusivity and accessibility must remain paramount: “Technology can serve as a powerful tool. In looking ahead to a more inclusive future within the aircraft interior industry, both physical and digital solutions can make all passengers feel welcome.

Haptic systems can enhance the travel experience with hearing impairments, while digital solutions can allow passengers with customised settings empower those with diverse needs. Our Air 4 All concept exemplifies our commitment to inclusivity by allowing powered wheelchair users to remain in the chairs throughout the flight, eliminating the need for transfers between a personalised wheelchair and a seat that’s not ergonomically suited for them.” 

“Social media plays a crucial role as younger travellers share their experiences online.”

André Valera, Vice President of Business Development, Touch

While physical solutions can take years to implement, digital innovation comes at a quicker pace. Touch is actively promoting various accessibility features in in-flight entertainment systems, according to Valera: 

“We want to ensure all passengers can enjoy entertainment offerings. That includes adjustable font sizes, contrast settings, and audio description and close captioning, while intuitive interfaces assist those with hearing or mobility impairments. Our recent partnership with Delta Airlines has led to the carrier creating a more accessible passenger experience by including close captioning on all titles onboard.” 

Challenges and considerations

While the potential for innovation in aircraft interiors is vast, there are challenges airlines and design firms must navigate to successfully implement these changes. Balancing passenger expectations with practical constraints is crucial. Integrating advanced technology requires careful consideration of space limitations, weight restrictions, and stringent safety regulations. Additionally, the long development timelines associated with aircraft design necessitate creating solutions that remain relevant and beneficial for years to come.  

Looking ahead, the future of aircraft interiors will undoubtedly be shaped by the evolving demands of younger generations. Their emphasis on seamless connectivity, personalised experiences, sustainable and accessibility-forward practices demand a dynamic and innovative approach from airlines, suppliers and design firms alike.

By embracing these trends while addressing the associated challenges, the industry can pave the way for a future where air travel is not just comfortable and efficient, but also inclusive, catering to the diverse needs of all passengers.