In adversity there’s opportunity and the folks who supply the materials and fixtures that go into the often-sumptuous interiors on business aircraft are responding to current market conditions. The Aircraft Interiors Expo 2009 takes place in Hamburg from March 31 to April 2 and organizers are outlining the important roles the interiors folks will play in the way the rest of the industry copes with the downturn. “For example, the consolidation of airlines, which has been taking place for some time now, will almost certainly be accelerated by the current economic downturn, ” said show spokesman Vern Alg. “This will create a need for fresh liveries and designs as the reinvented entities seek to stamp their new corporate identities.”
But it’s not all about colors, logos and design. Interior components are a significant part of the gross weight of an aircraft and a pound saved there is a pound gained for payload. “Aircraft Interiors Expo is increasingly showcasing weight saving solutions across a range of equipment and components to offer airlines a route to saving on fuel costs,” Alg said. “The industry is also responding with concepts to facilitate the airlines’ need to accommodate more passengers without compromising comfort.” He said the trick for the interiors industry is to maintain passenger comfort while decreasing weight and cost while staying viable themselves.
