According to a recent report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global passenger traffic results for February 2015 showed a strengthening in demand growth compared to February 2014.
With under a week to go, Aircraft Interiors Expo is ready to open its doors at the Hamburg Messe in Germany from 14 -16 April 2015. Organised by Reed Exhibitions, the 16th edition of Aircraft Interiors Expo will be the largest ever staged with over 530 exhibiting companies from 30 different countries spread over seven halls compared to five in 2014, including a record size IFE Zone which has grown by 31%.
According to a recent report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global passenger traffic results for February 2015 showed a strengthening in demand growth compared to February 2014. Total revenue passenger kilometres rose 6.2%, which was an improvement on the January year-over-year increase of 4.5%. Available seat kilometres capacity in February 2015 increased by 5.6% with the load factor rising 0.5 percentage points to 78.5%.
Aircraft Interiors Expo 2015 is a global event that showcases the entire range of interiors systems and services and over 58 new exhibiting companies will be promoting ground-breaking new products and innovative technologies. Over 800 airline buyers as well as more than 530 suppliers and 13,800 attendees are expected to attend this year’s “must attend” event in the aircraft interiors calendar.
Making its debut, Bangkok Metropolis Motor Company (BKF) is one of very few companies in Thailand that has achieved the AS9001 quality standard for manufacturing aircraft interiors. In addition to supplying automotive, motor cycle and consumer electronics markets, BKF manufactures complete tray tables and can also supply sub-components to support manufacturers – these include washers, spacers, hinges and flame retardant foam.
“BKF has a long and successful history in plastic injection, die casting and rubber moulding. We are now diversifying into the aircraft interiors market with our quality standard through the manufacture and assembly of seat-back food trays. We are very excited to be at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2015 and look forward to meeting potential new partners which will allow us to further develop our capabilities in this important market,” said Dermot Rees, Business Development Manager – Marketing at BKF.
IFEC and seating play prominent roles in enhancing the passenger experience and at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2015, the latest innovative technologies will be displayed by 78 companies in the largest ever IFE Zone which has grown by 31% in size compared to 2014. Examples of companies include Astronics, Blue Box Avionics, Gogo, Lumexis, Molex, Panasonic Avionics, TE Connectivity, Thales, Viasat and Zodiac as well as first-time exhibitors such as Axinom, Dicentia, DMD, In-Flight Dublin, TEAC and Wisscom Aerospace– to name a few.
With over 185 companies on the show floor from around the world displaying the latest in seating products and services, many visitors will be able to view a wide range of new seat launches on display incorporating the latest technological developments, e.g. Acro Aircraft Seating. “At Hamburg this year, Acro will be exhibiting its new Premium Economy product as well as a completely redesigned fixed back seat, both due for delivery in 2016,” confirmed Chris Brady, Managing Director at Acro Aircraft Seating.
This year a new and exclusively designed USA Pavilion will provide an ideal platform for a range of smaller and medium size companies to promote their products and services – many of which are new exhibitors. These include Hanaya Inc. which designs and manufactures friction hinges for the aircraft interiors industry.
“Our hinges’ life cycles exceed 35,000 in some cases and torque tolerance has been lowered to 10 -15%. Between our design department and the production facilities that we utilize, we have accumulated a wealth of expertise, and proven capabilities within a wide range of industries. We effectively address unique requirements and challenges for motion mechanisms in a wide range of applications,” said Jose Cortes, VP Sales at Hanaya Inc. The US Pavilion will also feature the U.S. Commercial Service Germany at the American Embassy in Berlin which, together with three Consulates General, provide a range of services and programmes to help American companies export goods and services to Germany.
Another new feature at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2015 is CabinSpace LIVE, a face-to-face platform which will offer a dedicated area for the exchange of information and best practices with direct access to airlines, operators, buyers and specifiers from the industry. Located in Hall B6, all sessions will be free to attend and companies confirmed to participate include Imeco, Lufthansa Technik, Recticel/Soundcoat, Schott, Silentium, Solvay and STG Aerospace.
“With IATA’s report confirming the rising trend in higher passenger numbers, the topic of passenger experience has never been higher on the agenda for the aircraft interiors industry. For attending visitors and airline representatives, Aircraft Interiors Expo 2015 will be the largest edition ever staged, covering all aspects of the interiors spectrum on the show floor. We look forward to welcoming all our exhibiting companies and visitors from around the world to what will undoubtedly be a busy but important week at this year’s “must attend” event for this innovative and vibrant industry,” said Katie Murphy, Senior Event Director of Aircraft Interiors Expo.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
