Interiors & Connectivity

Diehl Aviation is developing an innovative way to replace conventional loudspeakers in the passenger cabin, using the lower panel of the overhead baggage compartment as a membrane.

Aerostructure and wiring specialist Latécoère is developing a Li-Fi system, based on light signal transmission via optical fiber and light-modulation infrared LEDs, as a way to increase the bandwidth of IFE systems.

China’s Hainan Airlines has introduced its first premium economy product, along with a refreshed cabin interior, on its newest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

UK seat manufacturer Acro is using AIX for the first showing of its Series 6LC seat, optimized for low-cost carriers.

Battery anxiety. It’s not an ailment that our grandparents would have recognized, but it preoccupies many of the present generation, who live in fear of their personal electronic devices (PED) running out of power.

Airbus is promoting the newly created “Settee Corner” concept for business class, combining flexible use and lower production cost.

Panelists at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg have predicted ongoing pressure on the supply chain as aircraft production rates continue to hit record highs.

Turboprop manufacturer ATR is developing a system designed to make its cabins more accommodating for passengers who wear hearing aids.

American Airlines has begun using Airbus’ Airspace XL overhead baggage bins in revenue service on an A321neo, thus becoming the first carrier to operate the new equipment.

Inflight internet specialist Gogo and electronically steerable antennas (ESA) developer Phasor have achieved their initial core-technology performance objectives in developing a next-generation satellite antenna and will now progress to the next stage of their joint project.

Airlines are beginning to report problems with the durability of lightweight cabin materials, adding to costs in the longer term, according to panelists at the 2019 Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX).

STG Aerospace has announced that Turkish Airlines has commenced a retrofit programme installing STG Aerospace liTeMood LED lighting across its Boeing 737-800 fleet, as it looks to harmonize its cabin interiors with the latest LED-installed aircraft being delivered by Boeing.

Honeywell is seeking to translate its experience of high-speed inflight Wi-Fi in the business aviation market into the airline sector, as carriers seek more uses for the greater connectivity now available from the new generation of satellites.

Cabins, Interiors & Connectivity-April 3, 2019

Bombardier is prepared to offer the full Atmosphère cabin for new-build aircraft of its recently announced CRJ550 regional jet, a senior executive said April 3, but because initial examples of the new model are conversions from existing CRJ700s, most users are likely to shy away for cost reasons.

Market-research firm NSR is predicting that aviation will be the largest customer for flat-panel antenna (FPA) technologies, which minimize drag, creating a more compelling business case for inflight connectivity.

German aircraft seating company Recaro and German lighting startup jetlite have partnered on an innovation that allows long-haul business-class travelers to individually customize and schedule the warmth of their cabin light, to naturally encourage sleep and minimize jetlag.

Panasonic is launching an augmented moving map with more interaction possibilities for inflight passenger entertainment (IFE).

Airbus has yet to find a customer for its lower-deck cabin module, but promoters have clearer ideas on how to market and certify it.

Airline digital services provider Immfly is starting to expand, both beyond its European base and in the services it provides.

Principals of the Aireon joint venture on April 2 formally announced the launch of the company’s satellite-based air traffic control (ATC) surveillance system, a capability that for the first time provides a means of continuously tracking aircraft over oceans and remote regions of the world.

Australian cabin-technology supplier Burrana, which was rebranded from digEcor after acquiring Collins Aerospace’s commercial IFE business, is pushing ahead with the integration and is on the lookout for further acquisitions.

Airbus has made a prominent change to its Day & Night first-class concept, the “night” area of which now looks like a two-person bedroom.

Four aircraft retrofit specialists—EAD Aerospace, Envoy Aerospace, Etihad Airways Engineering and Lufthansa Technik—have officially launched the Independent Aircraft Modifier Alliance (IAMA), firming up an MOU that was first announced in January.

ATW speaks with Burrana CEO David Withers at AIX 2019, about the challenges of becoming the world's third largest IFE provider, after acquiring part of Collins Aerospace.