The global aircraft cabin interiors market is experiencing a surge, with a projected CAGR of 6.81% from 2024 to 2032 (WhaTech). This growth correlates to a renewed demand for international travel, with recovery rates notably highest in the Asia-Pacific region (Pacific Asia Travel Association). Against this backdrop, Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), returning to the Hamburg Messe in Germany from 28-30 May 2024, is set to offer attendees many opportunities to explore the latest innovations that could shape the cabin concepts of the future.
The 2024 event is expected welcome thousands of visitors and senior airline buyers, all looking to source products and solutions for the cabin of the future from the biggest names in the aircraft interiors industry. The Expo will also feature dedicated speaker programmes, as well as networking and learning opportunities. Already confirmed to attend are representatives from the world’s top airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Air France and EVA Airways, as well as Southwest Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, EL AL Israeli Airline, Air Transat and Air New Zealand.
Key exhibits at this year’s event will demonstrate the increased adoption of eco-friendly materials, lighter weight alternatives, and innovative design strategies that can minimise the environmental impact of air travel. The main players will include the likes of Zotefoams, Expliseat, and Muirhead. Further eco-friendly and weight-saving solutions will be on show from leading companies such as Teledyne, Simona Boltaron, and 2023 Crystal Cabin Award Winner, Lantal.
Improving the passenger experience
Improving the passenger experience for both leisure and business travellers remains a top priority for all elements of the aviation supply chain. With the latest advancements in inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) playing a key role in aviation interiors, AIX will showcase exhibitors pushing the boundaries of wi-fi and entertainment systems. Here, companies exhibiting at AIX for the first time, including Rosen Aviation and Stellar Entertainment, will join several global leaders, including Astronics, Thales and Panasonic.
Business jet interiors
AIX’s BizJet offering also continues to grow, with refurbishment, interior design and completion products and services all on display for the sector. Equipment developer and supplier, Aerospace Technologies Group and aerospace service provider, Fokker Services Group, will be among those showcasing their latest innovations to serve the business jet market.
Immerse yourself in innovation
AIX 2024 is the hub of innovation within the industry, bringing together over 400 exhibitors totalling a combined range of more than 1,000 products for the aircraft cabin interiors market, with new solutions and partnerships set to be announced across the three days of the event. Attendees will be able to meet and engage with industry leaders and rising stars at the event, including over 20 new exhibitors such as Pinet Industries, Daher, Optimum Aero, Peter-Lacke, Comi, and Sabena Technics.
Highlights will include Teledyne bringing its ACES Cabin Air Monitoring System, which reduces operational costs for airlines. Simona Boltaron, a specialist in thermoplastic materials, will be showing its lightweight cabin interior applications, while Muirhead will display its LightCore leather range, claimed to be 33% lighter than standard leather. Lantal will be discussing its alternative approach to sustainable cabin seating materials, with its new natural leather using a Wet-green tanning process to reduce water consumption during the manufacturing process.
The event will also recognise the importance of inclusivity and accessible travel, featuring companies like Airchair and Operational Aviation Solutions. Airchair’s lightweight and compact transfer system assists passengers with reduced mobility when boarding and disembarking. Meanwhile, Operational Aviation Solutions will debut the world’s first functionally touchless lavatory door.
Exhibitors ACM and Avital will present solutions that enhance comfort and satisfaction to encourage passenger wellbeing. ACM’s interactive meditation app and Avital’s passenger monitoring system exemplify the industry’s commitment to creating holistic and enjoyable travel experiences. Meanwhile Schott will demonstrate how flexible lighting solutions contribute to a comfortable and relaxing cabin environment for passengers.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to connect with industry newcomer, Adequate Swiss, a consulting service provider; Avalon, a sustainable interior design expert; Materialise, a 3D printing technologist; and Vandewiele, a textile manufacturer. Each will showcase their unique offerings as they contribute to the growing market.
Leading the way in connectivity
The ever-evolving In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity (IFEC) market, projected to reach USD 6.1 billion by 2026 with a 5.2% growth rate (MarketsandMarkets figure), will again take the spotlight at AIX 2024.
The dedicated IFEC Zone will enable visitors to find the latest advancements in one place. This year, the zone reflects the industry’s growing focus on LEO satellite solutions, offering airlines and passengers the potential for higher bandwidth, lower latency, and a seamless inflight experience.
Over 50 exhibitors will gather in the IFEC zone, including industry leaders like Hughes, Eclipse, and Telesat LEO. These companies are at the forefront of developing and deploying innovative connectivity solutions, leveraging both GEO and LEO satellite technologies to ensure reliable and efficient in-flight internet access. Furthermore, Aeroplay will demonstrate how it delivers tailored content for airlines, while ThinKom will showcase its advanced antenna solutions.
Also joining the IFEC Zone, newcomer Gladi8tor, alongside partner Inflight Media Digital, will present its gaming entertainment ecosystem for the modern traveller, and Airfi will offer its 2023 Crystal Cabin award-winning LEO connectivity solution.
Dive deeper into industry topics
CabinSpace Live, the show’s dedicated speaker theatre, will offer visitors opportunities to hear and learn from the industry’s most experienced leaders and experts. The first day’s programme will explore key industry topics through several sessions including ‘Cabin environment: achieving the ultimate ambiance and wellbeing for passengers’, ‘In-flight entertainment: a captive audience’, and ‘Cabin refurbishment: investing to impress’.
Day two, co-curated by aviation analytics specialist, Cirium, will host panels and presentations touching on current trends in cabin interiors, including sessions: ‘An MRO perspective on elevating aircraft cabin interiors’ and ‘The use and impact of predictive maintenance on aircraft cabin refurbishment’.
Celebrating the leading designs
The Crystal Cabin Awards, one of the most coveted awards for industry professionals, will take place on the evening of the first day of the show, 28th May 2024. The shortlist features 72 products spanning the eight award categories and demonstrates the strides the industry is making to deliver sustainable aircraft with a seamless, comfortable experience for passengers. The winning entries will be also be presented at CabinSpace Live the following day.
The destination to learn and collaborate
The Passenger Experience Conference, taking place one day ahead of AIX, on 27th May at Hamburg Messe, will bring together experts and visionaries from airlines, airframers, OEMs, the global supply chain, and design organisations to discuss the overarching theme of ‘Innovating tomorrow’s travel experiences’.
Experts from Air Canada, Airbus, Orson Associates, Gen Phoenix, Doy Design, Flying Disabled, Omnevo, Delta Air Lines, Boeing, Icelandair, and more will collaborate to solve the frustrations and respond to the needs of the new cohorts of travellers who will be flying over the next decade. Attending delegates can join thought-provoking discussions and panels, uncover emerging and exclusive insights regarding future directions for passenger experiences, and help evolve the vision for the cabin of the future.
The 2024 edition of the conference will feature three streams. ‘Future Now’ will discuss the changes to the passenger experience already in progress. The ‘Future Connected’ sessions will dive into how aviation can navigate the ever-competitive travel landscape, how data and technology can ease the way and create opportunity, as well as how innovations across different travel systems can inspire fresh ideas. Lastly, ‘Future Efficient’ will examine how airlines and supply chain partners can boost profits, streamline processes, and reduce costly wastage while delivering desirable value and quality of experience to passengers.
Among those confirmed to speak, Christopher Wood from Flying Disabled, and Roberto Castiglioni from Reduced Mobility Rights, will join a representative from Boeing to discuss initiatives that can improve the inflight experience for travellers with disabilities. Meanwhile, Michael Raasch, CEO of Omnevo; Kolbrun Ýr Jónsdóttir, Icelandair’s product manager inflight service & experience, products & service management; and Kevin Clark, CEO of Bluebox Aviation, will be joining a conversation on the potential of artificial intelligence to revolutionise inflight experiences.
Even better, the Welcome Party, following the conference from 18:00, will also offer networking opportunities by bringing together the industry under one roof. Tickets are also available to non-conference delegates.
Making connections in advance
All show attendees can streamline their experience and maximise investment into the show with AIX Connect, the show’s online planning tool. The platform offers personalised matchmaking recommendations and search tools to help schedule meetings ahead of the event. In 2023, AIX Connect facilitated over 3,400 meetings across the three days, ensuring a productive show for all.
Polly Magraw, Event Director, Aircraft Interiors Expo, said of the 2024 event: “We look forward to welcoming the industry in Hamburg in May to highlight exceptional passenger experiences, upcoming interior insights, supply chain partnerships, and cabin expertise. AIX remains the only show where the biggest airlines and members of the supply chain come together to discuss cabin interiors, and with 2024 expected to be a year of growth for businesses, we are delighted to play a supporting role in that.”
Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) returns to the Hamburg Messe from 28-30 May 2024 in Halls B1 – B7. It will follow Passenger Experience Conference (PEC) on 27 May and is co-located with World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE), which can be found in Halls A1 and A4. Together, the events provide passenger experience professionals with an opportunity to identify new products and solutions throughout the cabin. AIX badge holders can enjoy free access to WTCE across the three days of the show.
Registration for Aircraft Interiors Expo 2024 is now open, visit https://www.aircraftinteriorsexpo.com/reg to secure your place.
