Recognised as the aviation industry's launch pad for cabin interiors innovations, this year's Aircraft Interiors Expo which starts in Hamburg next Tuesday is expecting to see a range of new products and services being unveiled – their ultimate aim is to make flying more comfortable and more energy efficient while also taking care of airlines' bottom lines.
Libyan Airlines and OnAir today announced an agreement to install full SwiftBroadband Mobile OnAir and WiFi Internet OnAir inflight passenger communications services aboard their fleet of brand-new long-range Airbus A330 aircraft. Libyan Airlines are expecting delivery of the first A330 in June 2011.
A Dubai-based interiors designer with experience in yachts and palaces has teamed up with New Zealand based Aerospace Interiors to enter the completions market from their facility in the UAE
The Middle East aviation market is booming so exhibiting at Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) is vital. This year saw many textile companies – from seat cover manufacturers to carpet manufacturers – displaying their wares. Marcelle Nethersole reports.
Passengers have voted three Middle East carriers into the global Top Ten and Emirates has doubled the frequency with which it offers the world's most luxurious airline product to London-bound passengers. Little wonder that the cabin vendors beat a path to this year's Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) show in Dubai, writes BRENDAN GALLAGHER.
Associated Air Center (AAC) - the completions business owned by Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has delivered two Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) as well as its 13th Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ). These deliveries represent AAC's 17th and 18th BBJ completions since becoming a BBJ-Approved Completion and Service Center in 2001.
Emirates connectivity guru Patrick Brannelly keynoted yesterday's AIME Workshop by urging the audience not only to innovate but also to insist on the very best. “Innovation on its own is not enough – you must strive for excellence. It's a journey, not a destination, and 'that's as good as it gets' is just not good enough.”
Painting a picture of the passenger experience of the future, enriched by advanced technology from reservation to destination, Panasonic's David Bruner cleverly wrong-footed the audience at yesterday's AIME workshop.
UK manufacturers of galley inserts for in-flight service, Aerolux Limited (stand: G36) are at AIME demonstrating its range of products, including its espresso machine.
With a pair of VIP installations already to its credit, Hamburg-based IFE system provider AlsterAero is here to talk to completions centres and the airlines.
Recaro is looking to respond to recent airline industry trends by developing a hybrid business/first-class seat combining fully lie-flat capability with more features than are usually found in a conventional first-class seat. The German seat-maker also plans to announce a new product at this spring's Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.
German carpet manufacturers Anker-Teppichboden is at AIME to meet new potential clients in the region along with its partner Rohi who specialise in seating fabrics which can be matched to Anker's carpets.
Passenger connectivity has come and gone over the years, writes BRENDAN GALLAGHER. But now mobile phones and Internet access in the cabin look like they're here to stay, and Middle Eastern airlines are among the earliest adopters
