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The fitting out of aircraft
interiors is a growing sector. Forecasts predict that the market will increase
from $16.8bn (around £13.4bn) in 2016 to more than $29bn (around £23bn) in 2021,
with an average annual growth rate of around 11%.
This growth is boosted by
increases in air traffic and record orders in recent years. Nearly 30,000 new
commercial aircraft will have to be fitted out over the next 20 years. The
market also includes retrofitting that, given the typical service life of
aircraft ranging from 5 to 15 years, consists of refitting the cabin two or
three times in an aircraft’s lifetime.
The IFEC segment (In-Flight
Entertainment & Connectivity) is not to be outdone, since it is expected to
reach $5.8bn (£4.65bn) by 2020. Demand comes mainly from North America - the
leading global aeronautic market - and Asia-Pacific, which is seeing its fleets
increased by a many large orders.
Challenges and solutions
Passenger seating and
on-board comfort are the focus of attention for airline companies, who must
differentiate themselves in a highly competitive market. Optimum use of volumes
and reducing the weight of fittings also form part of the challenge of reducing
aircraft fuel consumption.
Faced with these challenges,
many French companies are developing new products and solutions, including:
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To resolve the balance
between making the aircraft lighter and passenger comfort, companies are
working with innovative materials (composites, titanium, etc.), notably for
the framework and covering of seats.
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On-board service is also
receiving a great deal of attention. In the front line: manufacturers of
equipment for crew members, such as trolleys or galleys. The challenge lies
in using lightweight materials but also in customisation through the
development of modular systems.
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On-board comfort also
involves the cabin insulation and acoustics. Solutions have been developed
to reduce noise and vibrations.
-
On-board entertainment
has also seen in fundamental developments. Screens have got bigger, systems
use less power, but it is especially the entertainment systems that have
undergone the greatest changes, offering more possibilities to passengers
than ever before.
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Significant attention is
also given to fixtures and fittings for Business and First Class cabins. The
design of these cabins and their fittings (seats, use of high quality
materials, etc.) is part of French expertise.
Innovation, Customisation
and Utility
In summary, whether in
design, equipment, on-board entertainment systems or maintenance, to mention
only a few flourishing sectors, the three keywords for French businesses in the
aircraft interiors industry are:
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Innovation:
particularly in terms of the materials used, the major challenge being to
make aircraft lighter.
-
Customisation:
the solutions on offer, both in terms of comfort and in design or
entertainment, make it possible to meet the needs of airlines whilst
differentiating themselves from their competitors.
-
Utility:
adaptable and modular systems enabling rapid installation or reorganization
and optimum use of volumes.
Exhibiting together on 2
pavilions, in Hall B6 (stands 6C51, 6C61, 6C50, 6C60, 6C70 and 6D70) and in Hall
B3 (stand 3C40) dedicated to IFEs, these French exhibitors represent the
expertise and sheer variety and of companies in the sector:
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AERTEC:
(www.groupe-aertec.com)
Vacuum waste compactor, the first to
be TSO C184-certified by the EASA and FAA
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BORLIS:
(www.borlis-solutions.com/en/)
Flexible materials for cabin seats.
The exceptional expertise of BORLIS gives it the status of Entreprise du
Patrimoine Vivant [Living Heritage Business] in France.
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SMS SAS
trading as COBHAM AEROSPACE
COMMUNICATIONS:
(www.cobham.com/aerospace-communications)
Design and production of dedicated
solutions for on-board aeronautical applications on all aircraft types.
-
DAHER:
(www.daher.com)
Interior fitting out of aircraft, from
laying floor coverings to installing the complete cab.
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EQUIP AERO
TECHNIQUE:
(www.equipaero.com)
Epoxy sandwich panels for aircraft
cabins
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INTERACTIVE
MOBILITY: (http://interactive-mobility.com/#en/)
Mobile app developer for on-board entertainment.
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RESCOLL: (www.rescoll.fr)
Technological innovator in
the industrial usage of polymers, glued assemblies, surface treatments and
material reaction to fire.
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SELA:
(www.sela-light.com)
‘Clematis Management System’:
management of various systems and equipment, including lighting, video
projection and wireless command keyboards.
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TEAM PLASTIQUE:
(www.teamplastique.com/en)
Specialists in customised
thermoforming. The company has designed a new thermo-pressure machine to
make complex aeronautical components.
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WIN MS:
(www.win-ms.com)
Fault search tool for
aeronautical maintenance, reducing aircraft downtime.
For more in formation,
visit
www.aircraftinteriorsexpo.com |
