In the latest issue of AviTrader MRO Magazine, Keith Mwanalushi speaks to members of the interior sector about the recovery of the aircraft interior modification market, and more specifically, the MROs, who play a key role in refurbishments and modifications.

 

Sohaib Ahmed, Programme Manager – Interiors, AJW, comments on the effect of Covid on the cabin upgrade market, saying that airlines prioritised their bottom line to stay in business. ‘There has been some resurgence in the aircraft interior modification market, and technology is leading the way,’ he says of the recovery.

 

Airlines are focused on passenger comfort and experience to increase capacity on flights, as such, technologies such as virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) are being introduced to offer a more interactive and immersive flight experience. Ahmed lists some aspects of the in-flight experience that are being addressed; upgrading aircraft seats and incorporating more personalisation with self-controlled ambient light, to name but a few.

 

AJW Group is seeing a trend towards touchless technologies like touchless lavatories, overhead bins with opening sensors, and smart seatbelts, says Ahmed. He adds that products made from recycled textiles, bio-based composites, bio-resins, and the use of bamboo hemp technology, are being used in cabin refurbishments as ‘sustainability is high on the agenda in the aviation industry.'

 

Jose Pevida, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Product Development at HAECO Cabin Solutions, discusses the need for forward planning for modifications and maintenance due to the increase in the widebody refurbishing projects causing capacity constraints in the MRO market. He also mentions that HAECO is seeing an increase in the use of electronics and the upgrading of systems for increased bandwidth in cabins, which is driving a move to implement predictive maintenance measures.

 

Others in the sector, such as Thomas Sonigo, Head of Cabin Modification at AFI KLM E&M, say they are seeing different trends in the recovery market. The delay in aircraft deliveries is causing certain aircraft to stay in service longer than planned, which means they require more refurbishment and modifications to their interiors.

 

Additionally, Sonigo notes that the slow recovery of the supply chain is further impacting current and future projects and there is now a move to modify new-gen aircraft, putting further pressure on the MRO industry.

 

Sustainability is currently at the forefront of industry research, and AFI KLM E&M is developing a tool that enables them to measure the potential CO2 footprint of modifications, driving their R&D efforts.

 

AJW Group has recently committed to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the largest worldwide corporate sustainability initiative. The UNGC is motivating businesses to assume greater responsibility in their efforts to reduce the aviation industry's carbon footprint and adopt more sustainable business practices. Ahmed highlights this as the reason why AJW Interiors provides customers with SkyLeather® as an environmentally friendly substitute for traditional hide leather.

 

Ahmed, and others, agree that passengers' demand for increased connectivity and interactivity in aircraft cabins is leading to a higher level of maintenance. Innovative technology and electronic systems require specialised expertise and training for maintenance personnel. Increased touch points for interactivity increase wear and tear and the need for cleaning and maintenance.

 

Head of Commercial and Marketing at Vallair, Malcolm Chandler, says longer-range narrowbody aircraft introduce additional complexities. Improved onboard amenities on narrowbodies, were previously limited to widebody and long-haul planes. Sonigo of AFI KLM E&M, says, ‘We have to be aware of not making the cabins too complicated or expensive to maintain once in operation.’

 

AJW's Programme Manager talks about the impact of cabin modifications on areas of the fuselage, due to changes in weight distribution, leading to increased stress and load in these areas. As such, integrators must take this and the structural design of the aircraft into account. Material compatibility is also vital to avoid corrosion or a weakening of the structure. He states,

 

‘Any modifications to the cabin must be certified by the relevant aviation authorities and undergo rigorous testing to ensure they do not compromise the safety or integrity of the aircraft.’

 

Mwanalushi draws the article to a close in a discussion about using technology to reduce maintenance costs. Ahmed explains the use of predictive analytics technology, AI, and 3D printing technology in the maintenance and modification processes and how these are helping to reduce production costs and assembly times.

 

‘Both innovations are helping to ensure maintenance is performed correctly and efficiently to reduce aircraft downtime.’

 

AJW's Programme Manager concludes, saying ongoing technological advancements will benefit the aerospace industry in the future, but that industry regulations will still require aircraft integrators to adhere to modification certification.