When Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) opens in Dubai on 25 February, the event is all set to converge leading airlines and the entire aircraft interiors industry for two days. Spanning sectors from seating and flooring materials, to cabin lighting and logistic support solutions, exhibitors are travelling from around the globe to be part of the region’s booming market.
“We believe that the Middle East aircraft cabin interiors market will grow in the upcoming years via airlines with larger fleet sizes,” says Bahadır Hakyemez, marketing manager at Logo Sky. The company is returning to AIME after its inaugural appearance in 2019 to promote its range of livery, interior, exterior placard, cabin advertisement, stencil and identification plates.
In addition, new to AIME this year will be the market’s lightest and most robust on-board wheelchair, the Airchair. Weighing just 6kg, the Airchair contributes to fuel savings, and can support passengers weighing up to 40 stone (254kg) and is small enough to be stored in an overhead locker.
“Creating new products that cater to everyone while striving for weight reduction is one of the biggest challenges facing the aircraft interiors market,” says Sarah McOnie, operations manager at Airchair. She adds, “There is a distinct increase in the number of people of determination who are flying, and airlines are under pressure to provide a service to cater for them. The Airchair is designed to make air travel inclusive and comfortable for everyone without adding unnecessary weight to an aircraft.”
Astronics Advanced Electronics Systems (AES) will be demonstrating its innovative aircraft cabin inductive Wireless Charging Module (WCM) that provide airlines and passengers with a convenient way to charge their wireless-enabled devices. Meanwhile returning exhibitor Boxmark Leather is all set to promote a newly developed leather named Queen, which is perfectly suited for the interiors of business jets, VIP, first class or business class projects.
Business France will again host the French Pavilion, with a range of French companies eager to showcase their cutting-edge products and technologies while strengthening their ties with local decision-makers and contributing to the development of the aeronautics sector in the region. Among the companies taking part in the French Pavilion include ImaginAir, presenting the G7 Stowage unit that has been developed in partnership with Atlantic Aviation Group; The Aerospace Logistics Alliance (TALA), which will be showcasing its full range of logistics support services including supply chain management, specialised packaging and customs clearance support; and Latecoere, which will be demonstrating airborne video systems dedicated to both passenger entertainment and safety.
“Security of flights and operations are becoming key elements for gauging the performance of airlines. Video assistance is increasingly becoming considered a major contributor for security and operations,” says Patrick Fretelliere, head of sales, equipment and systems at Latecoere. He continues, “Middle East Airlines are very proactive in introducing innovative products and services on board, and for a supplier like Latecoere it’s an instrumental place to support that innovation and growth.”
UK-based Percival Aviation, specialising in the design, production and maintenance of aircraft interiors and associated equipment, launched a global expansion plan at the beginning of 2019 and has recently moved to a new purpose-built 40,000sq ft factory, increasing both its manufacturing capabilities and workforce.
CEO Neil Percival says, “With production capabilities significantly increased through the new factory, Percival Aviation is looking forward to attending AIME 2020. The team are excited to expand the Percival Aviation client base in the MEASA region.”
Aircraft Interiors Middle East takes place 25-26 February at Dubai World Trade Centre, co-located with MRO Middle East. The event is expected to host 330 exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies and products across both aircraft interiors and MRO. Visiting airlines from around the region will include Emirates Airline, Air France, Lufthansa and IndiGo. AIME 2020 also features the IFEC Seminars across both days of the event. The full list of exhibitors and attending airlines along with the seminar agenda can be viewed HERE.
