The focus of this PEC Virtual Series webinar is all about looking toward 2021 and how airlines and their interior supply chain partners can tackle the continuing challenges. Hear the latest future fleet scenario from Cirium, a look at the trends in retrofit and line-fit products, and the outlook for interior components.
For more video insights, sign up to the AIX channel.
‘Crystal Cabin meets…’ – the podcast where aircraft interiors experts talk about the latest trends, success stories and the industries’ future. Compiled by the Crystal Cabin Award, the only international award for excellence in aircraft interior innovation.
In this episode, Crystal Cabin meets with former finalist Elliot Kreitenberg from California based Dimer LLC together with his cooperation partner Bob Lenz from Honeywell International. They talk about their Honeywell UV Cabin System, which allows to clean the aircraft cabin with UV-C light. This Episode is curated by Carmen Krause-Bösterling, Project Lead Crystal Cabin Award & by Lukas Kaestner, Head of Marketing & PR at Hamburg Aviation and at Crystal Cabin Award Association.
Listen below:
The Crystal Cabin Awards are the premier event to celebrate advances made in improving the onboard passenger experience. They are awarded during AIX and the winners will be revealed at the show in 2021. Find out more about the Crystal Cabin awards on their website.
The future of onboard solutions is still to be decided, but it should definitely be sustainable. And, with new solutions needed, now is the right time for innovation and exciting new products. In this PEC Virtual Series webinar, we’re joined by an expert line-up who will be looking at how sustainable solutions can also help the airlines and their partners in the recovery.
For more video insights, sign up to the AIX channel.
VR isn’t just making its way onboard, it can also be used to show cabin designs to prospective buyers. In 2019, we were joined by 3D Viz, who specialise in using VR technology to display many of the different onboard options.
3D Viz see their offering as a great way for decision makers to quickly and easily view different seats, finishes and more in a virtual environment. This could offer an extra way for suppliers to show off their product range. As the world’s leading expo for the latest innovations, technologies and products for cabin interiors, AIX always welcomes new and exciting solutions.
This PEC Virtual Series webinar is all about sustainability. It has already been a major focus in the industry for the last few years, but now the Coronavirus gives airlines, caterers and manufacturers the chance for a green reset. This webinar is sponsored by Luminator Aerospace.
For more video insights, sign up to the AIX channel.
Watch this PEC Virtual Series webinar focused on how airlines and their travel partners can revolutionise the retail experience onboard and find new revenue. This webinar was sponsored by Diehl Aviation and Green Gourmet.
For more video insights, sign up to the AIX channel.
In 2019, Scott Savian joined us, then of Safran Cabin, at Passenger Experience Conference. He was focused on how to really disrupt the cabin and finding new ways to create value onboard.
Savian also spoke about the new air spaces that are really exciting including the possibility of EVTOLs and supersonic aircraft.
Savian also recently joined us during the Autumn edition of the PEC Virtual Series to discuss the customer experience and how it will define the economy of the next 50 years. You can watch that webinar on demand here.
Image used in the header is Copyright of Adrien Daste / Safran.
The travel landscape has changed dramatically in the past five months, with more changes on the way. One major change is the passenger’s fear and need for some kind of normalcy – which is why, from a customer service perspective, empathy has never been more important.
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Initiatives to ensure that flying becomes more accessible for all passengers, including those travellers with mobility issues, as well as people with other disabilities such as visual and hearing impairments, were increasingly in the spotlight over the past 18 months. How have they been impacted by the pandemic?
As airlines and suppliers respond to the requirements of governments and regulators post coronavirus – and gain a better understanding of passenger demand and demographics – what will be the impact on accessibility initiative in cabin products and onboard services? And what will shape the next round of accessibility innovations?
Christopher Wood, Founder, Flying Disabled (Moderator)
Geraldine Lundy, Director, Accessible Travel Consultancy
Hans-Gerhard Giesa, Senior Expert Human Factors Cabin & Cargo, Airbus
Matthew Coder, Inflight Experience Program Manager Alaska Airlines
Gina Emrich, Consultant, Open Doors Organization
Hank Scott, Chief Executive Officer, Molon Labe Seating
In 2019, we were joined by Dr Jacques Durand, Chief Innovation Officer, Aerohealth.AI, at the Passenger Experience Conference. Durand is focused on how passenger experience is linked to medical science. The flight is still a tiring undertaking, and with Aerohelth.Ai, Durand is trying to develop a sleep program for travellers.
Durand is also looking to combine several data points, including the purpose of the flight, how the passenger lives before the flight, and more, to create an overall health profile for each passenger.
Improving the passenger experience after COVID-19 is the main focus of the second PEC Virtual Series. Find the full programme on the PEC website and find out how we can all upgrade the future of air travel.
In 2019, we were joined by Pierre Charbonneau, Director Passenger Experience, IATA, at the Passenger Experience Conference. Charbonneau was looking at how data will start to help create a personalised and efficient
Charbonneau also spoke of the possibilities of biometrics being used and how passengers can be traced through their journey in the airport and on to the airplane. This could help to create a more seamless and personalised experience for all travellers.
To find out more about how technology is changing the way passengers travel and how airlines can improve the onboard experiences, make sure to read our ‘Technology in the Cabin’ report. You can find the first part of the four-part series here.
Hear more from Charbonneau in our recent interview.
Welcome to part three of our Technology in the Cabin series. This section is looking at how technology can be integrated into the cabin and be used to drive brand loyalty.
You can also find Part One and Part Two of the Technology in the Cabin series on our website.
Airlines are not only turning to technology to entertain and inform passengers onboard but to drive brand value. Online pre-order menus and IFE screen-based menus are taking the place of traditional paper-based menus. By encouraging pre-orders, airlines can improve catering logistics and predict food and beverage demand while delivering a personalised service. Another side effect is that it results in significantly less waste as airlines only need to load the items requested by their passengers.
Many airlines have already recognised these benefits, introducing incentives to encourage passengers to pre-order ahead of boarding. Airlines such as Eurowings, Flydubai, Finnair and Aer Lingus, offer online discounts, special offers and even the opportunity to sample first-class dining in economy on selected transatlantic flights when pre-booked. While Alaska Airlines was the first to offer App menus, airlines such as Qantas were quick to follow, letting passengers choose their preferred complimentary in-flight meal through its mobile App.
For long-haul flights, many airlines are recognising opportunities to combine the IFE offering with special offers for movie snacks, tempting passengers with treats and beverages while they settle back and enjoy a movie onboard. On selected Virgin America flights, passengers do not need to wait for the cart to request a snack or cocktail but can order for delivery to their own seat, or a fellow passenger’s seat as an extra special treat.
Connectivity also offers the potential to transform retail sales onboard. British Airways and Swiss International Airlines offer passengers a chance to browse inflight catalogues before boarding, even purchasing for delivery in the sky. Lufthansa integrated its sales platform into seatback entertainment systems, while Korea Air has introduced a physical store display to promote its retail offer. The popular ‘SkyShop’ also offers online and in-seat purchases and has helped the airline retain its position as the world’s leading airline for onboard sales, with sales reaching $143 million in 2018.
For more on the future of inflight catering, make sure to head to the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Hub, our co-located show.
Join us next week as we conclude this series looking at technology and the future of flying.
In 2021, AIX will be returning for its 21st Edition. Until then we wanted to take a look back, so we can see all the great innovations that have been announced at our live event in the past.
Located in Hamburg, one of the world’s leading aviation hubs, the event brings together the industry like no other. It’s the place to see new products, network with colleagues and friends, and talk about what the future holds.
In 2019, we heard from Patrick Baudis, Vice President & Head of Marketing at Bombardier, at our co-located show Passenger Experience Conference. He talked with us about accessibility and the need to make use of every inch in the cabin. Watch the video to hear his thoughts and the reasons for why he attends AIX.
In our upcoming PEC Virtual Series, we will also have a session dedicated to improving the flying experience for those passengers with reduced mobility. We will be joined by Chris Wood, @flyingdisabled on Twitter, a campaigner for the rights of disabled passengers to travel with dignity and safety using their own wheelchair. Make sure to register to hear what he has to say on 2 September 2020.
In 2021, AIX will be returning for its 21st Edition. Until then we wanted to take a look back, so we can see all the great innovations that have been announced at our live event in the past.
Located in Hamburg, one of the world’s leading aviation hubs, the event brings together the industry like no other. It’s the place to see new products, network with colleagues and friends, and talk about what the future holds.
As one of the major manufacturers, it’s always exciting to see what Airbus display and unveil at AIX. In 2019, there was a clear focus on the connected experience and how the ‘Internet of Things’ will make its way onboard. Our interview with Airbus on the show floor discusses how data is truly changing the future of travel.
To find out more about how technology is changing the way passengers travel and how airlines can improve their experiences, make sure to read our ‘Technology in the Cabin’ report. You can find the first part of the four-part series here.
In 2021, AIX will be returning for its 21st Edition. Until then we wanted to take a look back, so we can see all the great innovations that have been announced at our live event in the past.
Located in Hamburg, one of the world’s leading aviation hubs, the event brings together the industry like no other. It’s the place to see new products, network with colleagues and friends, and talk about what the future holds.
The need for airlines to differentiate themselves from one another is becoming more and more important. In 2019, Blake Emery of Boeing joined us at the Passenger Experience Conference to discuss just that.
As passengers demand more from their flight, airlines are looking for ways to excite all the senses. Hear more from Emery in the video.
To find out more about how the passenger experience is evolving, make sure to check out the PEC Virtual Series. It contains a series of webinars featuring some of the leading voices from our industry as they discuss seating, MRO initiatives, inflight catering and more.
As the aviation industry cautiously looks towards green shoots of recovery, the business aviation sector has been credited for its ability to quickly adapt and return to the skies as people look for bespoke travel options as a short-term reaction to COVID-19. With long term growth noted and continued efforts by the sector to adopt new cabin technologies, Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) has announced the launch of a dedicated Business Jet Interiors Zone, which will debut when the exhibition returns to Hamburg from 13-15 April 2021.
Launching following extensive consultation with key suppliers and AIX attendees, the new Business Jet Interiors Zone will offer the sector’s buyers a more tailored experience, with the full spectrum of aircraft interiors represented at the show. The new zone will feature the latest seating, furnishings and IFEC solutions, as well as in-flight systems, avionics, galley equipment and other products and services required to make discerning business aviation cabins.
Current AIX exhibitors already include key players in this sector including Lufthansa Technik and JCB/AMAC. Manufacturers exhibiting at AIX 2021 will have an opportunity to reach both the Business Jet and Commercial markets at the largest marketplace for cabin interior products that attracts 16,000 attendees, including 1,300 aircraft interiors buyers . The world’s most important aircraft interiors event will deliver exhibitors and visitors with opportunities to connect with new business contacts.
Exhibitors and attendees can take advantage of dedicated business networking opportunities, as well as the chance to discuss topical issues and innovations with the industry’s foremost experts in the AIX CabinSpace Live theatre. And, exhibitors have the opportunity to secure meetings ahead of time using the AIX Connect platform – a buyer programme designed to help qualified buyers from OEMs, airlines and tier 1 suppliers from around the world meet, build business relationships and engage in future projects.
“As we look forward to 2021, we’re delighted to announce the launch of the new dedicated Business Jet Interiors Zone at Aircraft Interiors Expo. The exhibition is recognised as the premier marketplace for the full aircraft interior supply chain to come together to network and do business. Today, the launch of the Business Jet Interiors Zone marks the expansion of this proposition, enabling interior suppliers to reach both the business and commercial markets. We hope this launch will help our existing and new exhibitors to diversify their offering and source new business opportunities to grow and expand while offering new commercial offshoots to overcome the challenges of COVID-19.”
For more information on exhibiting at the new Business Jet Interiors Zone at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2021, please speak to your local representative. Details can be found online.
Sign up for the latest exhibition updates and industry insights here.
In 2021, AIX will be returning for its 21st Edition. Until then we wanted to take a look back, so we can see all the great innovations that have been announced at our live event in the past.
Located in Hamburg, one of the world’s leading aviation hubs, the event brings together the industry like no other. It’s the place to see new products, network with colleagues and friends, and talk about what the future holds.
In 2019, AIX celebrated its 20th birthday, as we welcomed the whole of the interiors industry from all over the world to the Hamburg Messe. Here are some facts and figures from AIX 2019:
AIX 2021 will bring the industry together again to reconnect and be inspired for the future. We can’t wait to see you!
In 2021, AIX will be returning for its 21st Edition. Until then we want you to join us as we take a Look Back and can see all the great products that have been announced at our live event in the past.
Aircraft Interiors Expo started in 2000 with just 77 exhibitors. Since then we’ve gone on to constantly expand and drive the cabin interiors industry forward.
After moving the show to Hamburg in 2002, the close proximity to a leading aviation hub has allowed AIX to flourish and truly showcase what the industry has to offer.
With a focus on all areas of the cabin, including seating, lighting and IFEC solutions, it has lead the way with exciting innovations being launched every year. Watch the video below to see some of the highlights from the last 20 years.
The travel experience is set to be reviewed and reinvented as airlines and their interiors supply chain partners adjust to the new priorities and expectations of travellers flying once restrictions are lifted. Hear insights from passengers and consider how the adoptions of technologies including, AI, machine learning, biometrics and access to high speed broadband will support this “new normal”, including:
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Moderator: Dr Stathis Kefallonitis, Founder & President, branding.aero
Patrick Prefontaine, Vice President Business Development, Fethr a Black Swan Company
Jaime Moreno, Chief Executive Officer, Mormedi
Helge Sachs, Senior Vice President Product Innovation, Diehl Aviation
Part two of our Technology in the Cabin series focuses on how technology has the power to enhance and transform every journey. In-flight entertainment is set for a massive overhaul in this new decade, with new systems and gadgets making their way to the skies. Read on to find out more.
If you missed part one of this series, head here to read it first.
As outlined by Gogo’s Blane Boynton, the benefits of connectivity go beyond keeping in touch with those on the ground, reading emails or browsing the internet. It is also about providing passengers with more choice over what they watch or listen to, and how they choose to consume it.
Interestingly, IATA’s Global Passenger Survey reveals a shift in attitudes to onboard technology. In 2016, 51% of customers preferred to use their own devices. Now, 54% would rather use seatback devices, with only 36% still choosing a personal device. This trend may reverse following COVID-19 and worries about the spread of disease on surfaces.
The global in-flight entertainment market continues its path on an upward trajectory with the sector expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.8%, with an anticipated value of $12,419.7 million by 2027. Airlines have been quick to embrace this opportunity, creating rich passenger experiences onboard, but emerging technologies will continue to disrupt the IFE market.
A panel of industry experts came together at PEC 2019 to discuss how to innovate and improve the passenger experience. The panel talked about everything from new business models to the opportunity to drive high-value engagement through third-party content producers.
One example of third-party content came from Don Buchman, Viasat’s Vice President of Commercial Aviation. They recently live-streamed a Willie Nelson concert to all connected American Airlines planes using Viasat’s service capabilities.
Another third-party partnership was also announced by Erwan Perhirin, managing director of Customer Experience and Onboard Products at American Airlines. It had partnered with Apple Music to give passengers access to more than 50 million songs, playlists and music videos for free on any domestic flight equipped with Viasat Wi-Fi. The landmark agreement makes American Airlines the first commercial airline to provide free access to Apple Music through its in-flight Wi-Fi.
“We believe sponsored access models will help remove friction-related cost barriers and ultimately uplift the passengers’ journey.”
Speaking about the collaboration, Perhirin believed it signalled a ‘new era in IFEC’, and has enabled the airline to ‘think differently, and discover new partnerships that they didn’t think were possible.’
Viasat’s Buchman added: “We’re looking at how we can help airlines change the fee-for-service model and enable all passengers to be connected in-flight. We believe sponsored access models will help remove friction-related cost barriers and ultimately uplift the passengers’ journey.”
As demonstrated by American Airlines and Viasat, airlines and IFEC providers are expanding their portfolios to stay ahead of evolving passenger demands for more onboard personalisation and immersive experiences.
It’s not just in-flight entertainment under the spotlight. Even with a range of options available via IFE systems, maps are still a popular customer choice. However, a static 2D map plotting the plane’s progress is no longer good enough. Today, 3D maps that inform the passenger of the flight progress but also provide additional journey information are making their way onboard.
Panasonic Avionics used AIX 2019 to announce the addition of its new integrated moving map and data analytics platform to its NEXT supported suite of IFEC solutions. The ARC in-flight map platform can be integrated with Panasonic’s Loyalty personalisation programme, Marketplace e-commerce solution, and newly announced data analytics service Insights, to provide a 3D immersive map experience tailored to individual flights and passengers. The system ties in with Panasonic’s Wellness solution to provide passengers with information to help minimise the effects of jet lag by calculating time zones crossed without the need to enter data.
Speaking at a media briefing at AIX in April, Panasonic head of innovation, Andrew Mohr revealed it was the ‘first truly personalised map application of its kind’.
While partnerships with on-demand streaming providers may meet current passenger expectations, new technologies that exceed and delight are fast emerging. There are new opportunities to keep passengers entertained onboard using virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technology.
With VR and AR the opportunities are endless but largely untested. From aiding those with a fear of flying by transforming the cabin into a calm environment of their choosing, to enabling aviation enthusiasts to see outside of the cabin and fly along with the plane like a bird high above the clouds. Anything is possible and plenty of experimentation is still needed.
Airlines, such as Iberia, have been quick to trial the technology with the announcement of a six-month IFE trial. It will enable passengers to experience 3D and VR content including games, films, city travelogues, documentaries and immersive experiences, such as dives into the Red Sea.
Speaking about the Iberia trial, Nikolas Jaeger, founder and managing director of Inflight VR, said: “We think virtual reality has great potential and it can change the air passenger experience as a part of the in-flight entertainment programme. The viewer is no longer a mere observer but can take a stroll in the city he or she will be visiting, or simply relax before arriving at the destination.”
Iberia is not the only airline to start testing the technology with both Air France and Alaska Airlines having previously offered VR in-flight entertainment. They have also been exploring its uses as a cabin crew training tool, design aid and way for passengers to experience a cabin. The latter was used by Lufthansa to showcase Premium Economy before boarding with several passengers then going on to upgrade their seats.
Further demonstrating the possibilities of VR onboard, AIX 2019 exhibitor SkyLights revealed its 3D, virtual reality Allosky headset. The headset has been successfully integrated with Stelia’s compact, staggered Opal seat to offer cinematic and virtual reality experiences. It has also been combined with a ‘rumble and vibration strip from InSeat Solutions’ and is set to provide a full 4D cinematic viewing experience for passengers.
Join us next week as we look at catering and how it will be affected by the technology of the future onboard.
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