Aircraft interiors giant AVIC, a China-based conglomerate, is uniting its global subsidiaries under a new holding structure, creating an alliance of expertise that together covers all areas of the aircraft cabin and can benefit from synergies. Named AVIC Cabin Systems Ltd (Hong Kong), which will also have a branch in London. The alliance comprises FACC, AIM Altitude, Thompson Aero Seating, Jiatai and Fesher, with production facilities across the USA, Asia, Australia and Europe.
The partnership intends to offer the civil aircraft market complete aircraft cabin systems from one alliance, with AIM Altitude delivering monuments, social spaces, bars and galleys, Thompson Aero Seating undertaking first and business-class seating, Jiatai supplying economy seating, and interiors and composites being supplied by Fesher, FACC and AIM Composites.
The partnership also aims to create added value through an integrated product and competence portfolio, an expansion of existing business relationships within the customer network, the establishment of a platform to develop future aircraft interior standards, and a global service network.
Taking the case of partner FACC, which mainly operates as a development and manufacturing partner of aircraft OEMs, joining with partners that have direct business relationships with airlines opens up new possibilities for airline business across the line-fit, retrofit, repair and service sectors.
