In less than a week, Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) will land in Los Angeles as the biggest global meeting place for the passenger experience industry this autumn/fall. Celebrating the best of aircraft cabin innovation and design, the event is set to welcome leading seating manufacturers, and suppliers of everything from flooring, galley equipment, fasteners and air conditioning systems, to lighting and LED equipment – each showcasing their latest products and services to industry professionals.
Here are the top reasons why you shouldn’t miss this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) Los Angeles.
Expert speaker seminar programme
The return of the popular CabinSpace Live seminar programme will offer attendees valuable insight into the latest trends, challenges and opportunities facing the aviation and airline industries. More than 20 expert speakers will take to the stage to create an interactive forum for discussions on the future of aircraft interiors, with topics including cabin accessibility, innovation for comfort, premium accommodation and air quality.
Attendees can hear the expert opinions of key industry figures, including the likes of Dr Helge Sachs, SVP of production innovation at Diehl Innovation.He will explore the importance of a seamless user experience for passengers, crews and MROs, with insights into how Diehl is developing solutions for a smart cabin that turns visions of new digital functions and services into reality.
James Blackwell, sales director at Recaro Aircraft Seatingwill take part in two panel discussions on the show’s opening day (Tuesday 10 September). The first will explore the outlook for aircraft interiors, before taking a closer look at the latest seating trends and innovations that will differentiate the passenger experience and deliver a more competitive cabin for airlines.
Addressing the importance of an accessible cabin, Gina Emrich, senior manager of customer accessibility at American Airlines will join a cross-section of experts including Tom Lipscomb, head of project management at PriestmanGoode; Michele Erwin, president of All Wheels Up and Hank Scott, CEO of Molon Labe. The session, moderated by Jennifer Coutts Clay, will offer attendees a holistic understanding of the opportunities and issues that need to be addressed to create a flying experience for all.
Further sessions will see Doug Christensen, ecoDemonstrator technical leader at Boeing discuss the company’s efforts to take new product innovations out of the lab and onto its ecoDemonstrator test flight aircraft. MeanwhileNicole Noack, head of the Independent Aircraft Modifier Alliance at Lufthansa Technik and Patrick Gindre, sales director at EAD Aerospacewill consider the hurdles facing designers as they strive to introduce new cabin modifications.
State-of-the-art products on show
AIX Los Angeles comes with the promise of the best cabin technology awaiting the eager eyes of industry experts, suppliers and buyers.
Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, more than 50 of the industry’s leading companies will be present with Diab, Improvage Precision and Jamco Corporation showcasing the latest, most innovative materials for cockpit doors, while those looking for new lavatory and waste equipment will be able to engage with Certified Thermoplastics, Simon Boltaron and Regent Aerospace.
Setting the standard for high-density aircraft seating for both wide and narrow-body cabins, Aviointeriors will unveil its Adagio concept business class seat with a ‘Ying Yang’ configuration. Currently, narrow-body aircraft are being trialled as the new way to travel long-haul, but with a smaller economic and environmental footprint. For example, Airbus recently unveiled the A321XLR – responding to industry needs for improved range. The new model offers value for airlines by bringing 30% lower fuel burn per seat, with an unprecedented range of up to 4,700 miles – 15% more than the A321LR.
Also setting the bar high for innovation in the galley is Diehl Aviationwith its Air Refrigeration Unit (ARU). Offering a smart design with no wires or cables enables a seamless application to the aircraft cabin. The market for aircraft galley equipment has grown significantly in recent years, with predictions from Marketwatch suggesting the sector will reach US$810 million by 2024.
Unrivalled networking opportunities
New to AIX Los Angeles, leading OEMs, airlines and Tier 1 suppliers will be taking part in the event’s newly launched meetings programme, AIX Connect. Designed to help representatives from key airlines connect with exhibitors during the show, it will enable the interiors community to build business connections and discuss new projects.
Against the backdrop of the city of Angels
Whether meeting some of the most recognisable industry professionals in aviation or reflecting on the latest ground-breaking cabin ideas, Los Angeles is set to provide a suitable backdrop for new and exciting business opportunities for all attendees this fall. And, amid plenty of exciting new developments to see inside the convention centre and networking events to keep attendees busy, visitors can also take advantage of one of the world’s most popular destinations in the world – Los Angeles.
Three events in one location
Aircraft Interiors Expo will be co-located with APEX Expo and IFSA Expo, enabling attendees to experience the full spectrum of aircraft interiors products and passenger services in one location, bringing together more than 3,500 qualified industry professionals.
Aircraft Interiors Expo Los Angeles event director, Polly Magraw commented,“We are excited to get underway at AIX LA as we bring together the interiors community to discover the latest innovations and learn from key industry figures. And, as one of the most visited locations in the world for air travellers, we can’t think of a better place to stage this year’s fall event.
“With an increased focus on networking and matchmaking exhibitors with airline buyers, we’re excited to help the industry make new business connections and discuss new projects as they pave the way for the future of aviation.”
