PAX International magazine by Paramount Publishing Ltd.

PAX-2012-FebMar-AIX-v012 3/12/12 9:58 AM Page 1

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012 | VOL. 16, NO. 1A | w w w . p a x- i n t l . c o m

N E W S A N D A N A LY S I S F O R T H E PA S S E N G E R S E R V I C E S E X E C U T I V E

AIRCRAFT INTERIORS HAMBURG

IFE Update Seat textiles

Hamburg

Aviation Cluster REED EXPOS INTERVIEW p.

RETROFIT REPORT p.

HEALTH & SAFETY p.

VIP INTERIORS p.

PAX-2012-FebMar-AIX-v012 3/12/12 9:58 AM Page 2

Norduyn onboard with over 50 airlines worldwide

Discover our line of lightweight solutions o

Robust and certified products

Measurable energy savings

Significant environmental benefits

Customizable modern design

Come and meet with our team at booth #4A20 at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2012

www.norduyn.com +1 514 334-3210 x 111 info@norduyn.com

www.norduyn.com

PAX-2012-FebMar-AIX-v012 3/12/12 9:58 AM Page 3

EDITOR’S LETTER

EVOLUTION AND SUCCESS

ongratulations! You are holding in your hands the very first edition of PAX International dedicated specifically to the interests of professionals working in aircraft interiors and IFEC. Inside it you will find company and product news, interviews with important aircraft interiors and IFEC industry figures, indepth reports and more great content that we hope you will find useful and interesting. Four years ago PAX International exhibited and distributed at Aircraft Interiors Expo Hamburg for the first time. Immediately we saw connections between what was happening here and what was happening in other sectors of the industry, such as airline catering. As a passenger services publication, our job has always been analyze and report on all variables that contribute to the enhancement of a passenger’s travel experience, so naturally these connections got us excited. Since then, we have worked diligently to expand our coverage to include more stories about the progressive innovations in IFE and connectivity, cabin management systems, passenger seating, galley equipment, safety, lightweight composites, engineering and general cabin aesthetics. PAX International has been working with the International Travel Catering Association since 1997 and Aircraft Interiors Expo since 2009. With Reed Expo’s acquisition of ITCA’s annual exhibition, we are thrilled in 2012 to see the two largest shows we attend join forces to stage a co-located event here in Hamburg. Finally, the world’s airline and

general aviation procurement specialists have an exhibition serving as one-stop-shop where all their in-cabin needs can be met. These separate issues are our tribute to the union of these two very specialized industry events. Like the Expos themselves, our double issue represents two distinct aspects of the passenger experience, bound by a common goal: the continual improvement of the passenger experience onboard. As Expo Director John Hyde says in our interview on page 12:

PAX International 26 Pearl Street, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 1X2, Canada Tel: (1 905) 821-3344; Fax: (1 905) 821-2777 website: www.pax-intl.com

PUBLISHER Aijaz Khan E-mail: aijaz@globalmarketingcom.ca

EDITORIAL OFFICES Rick Lundstrom, Editor in Chief PAX International 723 Jefferson Street, NE Minneapolis, MN 55413, USA Tel: (1 612) 378-0862 Fax: (1 612) 378-0852 E-mail: rick@pax-intl.com Maryann Simson, Managing Editor Tel: (1 905) 821-3344 x31 E-mail: maryann@pax-intl.com Lauren Brunetti, Associate Editor Tel: (1 905) 821-3344 x21 E-mail: lauren@pax-intl.com

A R T D E PA R T M E N T

“Airline catering – which is obviously a crucial part of the onboard passenger experience – was under-represented at Aircraft Interiors Expo. We looked at various ways of incentivizing more food and beverage exhibitors to attend Aircraft Interiors Expo but our research demonstrated that this segment of the cabin interiors market tends to have a different set of airline procurement personnel from those who traditionally attend Aircraft Interiors Expo and that exhibitors preferred it to be a separately branded event.” Our next special IFEC and Interiors issue will be published in time for the Aircraft Interiors Expo and Airline Passenger Experience events in September. Please enjoy!

Patrick Balanquit, Art Director E-mail: patrick@globalmaketingcom.ca

ADVERTISING OFFICES Deepa J, Subscription & Conference Manager Tel: (1 905) 821-3344 x35 Fax: (1 905) 821-2777 E-mail: deepa@globalmarketingcom.ca

PAX International is published six times a year (January/February, March/April, May, June/July/August, September/October, November/December) by PAX

International, 26 Pearl Street, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 1X2, Canada. International Distribution. Subscriptions: $200 for one year; $300 for two years; $400 for three years. Art and photographs will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. The views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher or editor. February/March 2012, Vol. 16, No. 1A. Printed in Canada. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted

Maryann Simson Managing Editor, PAX International

in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. © PAX International magazine

Want more? Visit us online to check out our current e.Newsletter, read recent print issues. www.pax-intl.com www.pax-intl.com

PAX INTERNATIONAL

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FEBRUARY/MARCH | VOL. 16, NO. 1A

ON THE COVER: Lufthansa Systems will present its next generation in-flight entertainment solution BoardConnect at AIX Hamburg

Contents REGIONAL REPORT 16

A TIGHT CLUSTER

Each year thousands descend on Hamburg for the annual Aircraft Interiors Expo, but the ones who stay behind after the crowds have gone are reshaping the future of aviation, particularly in the cabin

IFE AND CONNECTIVITY 18

THE RUNDOWN

IFE hardware leaders discuss progress made in 2011, what’s on display at Aircraft Interiors Expo and what’s in store for 2012

GO-GOING GLOBAL

Gogo, the company that successfully created an ATG network servicing the Continental U.S. and Alaska and brought broadband IFE access to the cabin, positions itself for expansion globally

IN THE CABIN 30

COMPOSITE CONTAINMENT

The Hybrite concept takes on a new shape as Driessen-Zodiac Aerospace prepares for this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo

FORM AND FUNCTION

After 55 years and the sale of tens of thousands of products, Sell GmbH comes to AIX with a new line of galley inserts designed for an increasingly discriminating group of airline customers

CONDUCTING THE SYMPHONY

Monogram Systems presents its latest range of “instruments” to the aviation community

RETROFIT REPORT 36

BLAZING NEW TRAILS

From plush interiors to seat installation to “pit stop” IFE exchanges, retrofit companies on three continents are diving headlong into new services, some which hold the possibility of changing the way aircraft are modified

SEATING REPORT

WHAT’S IN A SEAT?

PAX International explores the fills and the fibers that go into today’s airline seats

INDUSTRY Q AND A 42

A SINGULAR INFLIGHT EXPERIENCE

Good fortune and hard work have led Monogram System’s Tom Lee to some very interesting places. PAX International’s Maryann Simson recently caught up with him to discuss the many ways in which aviation has enriched his life

HEALTH AND SAFETY 44

THE SKINNY ON SAFETY

PAX International talks passenger safety with two key producers of lap belts and other restraints

EQUIPMENT 48 3

EDITOR’S COMMENTS

NEWS

NEW FACES, NEW PLACES

WHAT’S HOT

ASSOCIATION NEWS

ADVERTISER’S INDEX

CALENDAR

PAX International investigates just what kinds of specialized equipment come into play when food takes flight

PAX INTERNATIONAL

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

DUE SOUTH

Volare Engineering, a growing firm in city of Mexicali, Baja California, positions itself to challenge international competitors and change the way that the industry looks at doing business south of the U.S. border

VIP INTERIORS 54

FIT FOR A VIP

Luxury for a volume market can be found in many places at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo, but one British company still creates elegant interiors one client at a time

EQUIPPED FOR TAKEOFF

GERMAN FIRM BRINGS 328 CONVERSION CAPABILITIES TO AIX

PAX-2012-FebMar-AIX-v012 3/12/12 9:58 AM Page 5

T O D AY

COMPANY CAN BRING COMMAND PERFORMANCES TO SINGLE AISLES.

2 0 12

INTRODUCING PAVES™ 3. THE INDUSTRY’S MOST VERSATILE IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM.

PAVES 3 benefits

PAVES 3 from Rockwell Collins can deliver an overhead broadcast solution, a full on-demand

Designed for single-aisle operations

in-seat entertainment solution or any conﬁguration in between. With all content cached at the seat, single-point system failures are eliminated, giving users a smooth entertainment experience every ﬂight. Easy upgradability provides system owners with cost-effective options. Enjoy the performance. Learn more about PAVES 3 at rockwellcollins.com. Visit us at Aircraft Interiors Expo, booth #6B1.

Highly reliable Easily upgradable A true HD passenger experience

PAX-2012-FebMar-AIX-v012 3/12/12 9:59 AM Page 6

NEWS IFEC NEWS

Aura develops trio of in-flight entertainment solutions AURA, from Intelligent Avionics, has recently announced plans to broaden its product line by introducing a trio of in-flight entertainment solutions, including the Aura Works, One and Connected. The original AURA Works seat-centric system, which was introduced in Hamburg last year, is a “seat-centric” design with more processing power and content storage. At about two kilograms per passenger place, AURA Works saves fuel, reduces CO2 emissions, or enables greater payload. Also, the AURA One is a lightweight and inexpensive way to replace analog (tape-drive) systems with state-of-the-art digital IFE. Literally overnight, airlines can provide passengers with better-quality video and audio, and a broader range of content and services – without changing existing overhead screens or wiring. Content can also be refreshed quickly and simply with

secure MPAA-approved processes via a harddrive swap, with daily updates via a USB stick or 3G/4G modem. Lastly, the AURA Connected will also be introduced later this year, offering a lightweight, low-cost wireless intranet system. This product will provide an extensive range of content, advertising, and digital products and services to be streamed to smart phones, tablets, and other mobile devices. According to a release from the company, all three solutions embrace AURA’s goals of offering a lightweight, reliable product with low ownership costs.

Aura’s new products are designed to be flexible, modular and upgradable

INTERIOR NEWS

Thales IFE monitor offers unique capabilities Noctis will allow passengers to instantly and uniformly control any level of light and heat intensity entering the cabin

Vision Systems plans to showcase Noctis at AIE 2012 Vision Systems will showcase Noctis at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2012 - a shading system that gives passengers the ability to instantly and uniformly control light and heat intensity entering the cabin. Noctis is specifically designed for first and business class cabins. Consistent switching speed and shading levels, ranging from very bright to blackout, will give the cabin an distinctive look and comfortable feeling, said a release from the company. With Vision Systems cabin management system (CrewView); Noctis can be controlled by a passenger directly at their seat and by cabin crewmembers. The crew can synchronize multi-

PAX INTERNATIONAL

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

ple tinted windows at the same time and light and temperature sensors can be adjusted automatically according to the degree of absorption of light from the windows. According to the official press release, this new technology will also open up a new array of design possibilities for aircraft and helicopters. Noctis can be used for solar protection or as a cabin divider, allowing full areas of privacy. This compact shading system will be on display in Bombardier Aerospace’s CSeries aircraft cabin mock-up. Bombardier has also equipped the business class windows in its mock-up with Noctis for market evaluation.

The latest in IFE seat innovation, the SVDU-G4 from Thales Group, is set to offer unique capabilities, including Hand Gesture Control technology and Smart Passenger Interface Modules. The unique Hand Gesture Control technology will give passengers the ability to control and navigate through various entertainment options with the simple wave of a hand. Providing complete mobility, the passenger will no longer be required to reach for a handset or to lean forward for touch screen operation. The SVDU-G4 will also offer a Smart Passenger Interface Module, which will enable passengers to connect a wide variety of portable devices, to listen or view personal content through the Thales IFEC system. Thales also developed the SVDU-G4 with high definition capability and advanced processor technology.

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NEWS IFEC NEWS

Lufthansa Systems to unveil BoardConnect at AIX Lufthansa Systems will be presenting BoardConnect, a next generation in-flight entertainment solution, at the Aircraft Interior Expo 2012. The all new cost-efficient infotainment system is set to open up a new world of opportunities for on-board communication; the product will be based on a WiFi network which passengers can log on to through seat-back screens or their own laptops, tablet PCs, smart phones or other WiFienabled devices to access a wide range of content. BoardConnect opens up numerous possibilities for airlines, including new forms of customer communication, information and services. New services can generate additional revenue for airlines, and airlines can also customize their contact with each passenger. This product will also offer airlines a number of advantages, including installation and maintenance; while the installation of con-

Aircraft Cabin Systems set to launch new line of video monitors Aircraft Cabin Systems (ACS) will be introducing a new line of video monitors, designed to be used with the Honeywell Ovation Select CMS. The new line will consist of four large LCD Video Monitors sized at 24”, 32”, 42” and 46”. All of the monitors will use LED instead of florescent lamp backlighting, to provide numerous benefits, which are typically associated with lower weight and power use. According to the official press release, ACS has worked closely with Honeywell to insure full integration of the ACS. The Honeywell system’s modular architecture uses a robust and open Ethernet backbone, which permits the ACS Ethernet Monitors to be used with any of the various cabin video sources, including Blu-ray players that provide a source for 1080p HD movies.

BoardConnect will be based on a WiFi network and accessible through a wide range of devices

ventional IFE systems requires an extensive downtime of the aircraft, BoardConnect can be fitted during routine overnight layovers

or maintenance checks. The new IFE system also has very few components, making it much easier to maintain.

Lumexis introduces WiPAX Lumexis Corporation, developer and manufacturer of in-seat HDTV over fiber optic networks, has announced its launch of WiPAX, a stand-alone wireless delivery solution for Passenger Electronic Devices (PEDs) in narrow body aircraft. In introducing WiPAX, Lumexis CEO Doug Cline explained that the new product was developed as the result of customer demand. “Our FTTS (Fiber-ToThe-Screen) full cabin, in-seat HDTV has built an unmatched record of performance and reliability with over ten million seat-operational hours in revenue service for both wide body and narrow body aircraft, and medium to long-haul operations,” he said. “But multiple carriers asked us to create a similarly end to-end solution for short-haul, narrow body routes

which may not justify in-seat monitors.” WiPAX, is derived from the FTTS headend server/aircraft interface system and offers a turnkey solution from end to end. The same Lumexis FTTS applications widely deployed in daily revenue service give airlines the opportunity for ancillary revenue in short-haul, narrow body applications. WiPAX also offers the capacity to simultaneously provide HDTV over fiber to big screens in First and Business Class cabins. Lumexis marketing research suggests that the most popular configurations may well include in-seat 12-23” HDTV monitors in premium classes, while delivering full-cabin wireless data to every coach passenger’s PED. Moreover, WiPAX is easily retrofit into existing wired FTTS installations, if desired.

www.pax-intl.com

PAX INTERNATIONAL

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NEWS IFEC NEWS

OnAir partners up with Inmarsat for Global Xpress OnAir will be partnering with Inmarsat to introduce Global Xpress, the only global Ka-band network available on the aeronautical market. As one of the two exclusive distribution partners, OnAir will assist in providing Global Xpress to commercial airlines, VIP, business jet and government operators, starting in 2013. Global Xpress will operate in the Ka-band

and will provide users with significantly higher throughput compared to other satellite solutions, including the current generation technology based on Ku-band. Combined with superior economics for both services and equipment, it will support the broad introduction of connectivity services to passengers and airlines on a sustainable basis anywhere around the globe

and across their entire fleet. OnAir was the first SwiftBroadband Distribution Partner in 2006, and in 2009 was given an award for being the greatest contributor to SBB growth. The two companies plan to keep working on the development of a clear and simple deployment path from SwiftBroadband and other solutions to Global XPress.

Global Xpress will operate in the Ka-band and will provide users with significantly higher throughput

DTI develops world’s first eManga reader for inflight DTI Solutions, an inflight applications and solutions specialist, has announced that it was selected by Japan Airlines (JAL) to develop

PAX INTERNATIONAL

its unique eManga Reader, which will be available onboard the airline’s 787 Dreamliner aircraft in March 2012. Designed exclusively for JAL in partnership with online manga provider eBook Initiative Japan, DTI Solution’s eBook Reader application will allow passengers to browse through an extensive collection of reading material, from their video seat terminals. “DTI Solutions is proud to have collaborated

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

with JAL on this exclusive eBook Reader application” said Patrick Préfontaine, President of DTI Solutions. “Manga are an essential read in Japanese culture and we aim to provide airlines with original inflight entertainment solutions that offer outside-the-box content sensitive to passengers’ cultural heritage.” DTI Solution’s eManga Reader will be available in all seat categories of JAL’s Boeing 787 aircrafts from the end of March 2012.

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CONNECTING THE BUSINESS AND PLEASURE OF FLYING W Wi-Fi i-Fi EN ENABLED ABLED With P anasonic A vionics’ eeXW XW wi reless IFEC IFEC solution, solution, yyou ou can can deliver deliver an an unforgettable unforgettable iin-flight n-flight eentertainment ntertainment With Panasonic Avionics’ wireless e xperience tto o yyour our p assengers’ Wi-Fi™ Wi-Fi™ enabled enabled laptop, laptop, tablet, tablet, smartphone smartphone or or other other personal personal electronic electronic d evice. experience passengers’ device. You’ll b ea ble tto oo ffer p assengers an an immersive, immersive, personalized personalized web web portal, portal, so so they they can can enjoy enjoy exciting exciting onboard onboard You’ll be able offer passengers maps, gate gate services such such as as food food and and beverage beverage ordering ordering and and payment, payment, d uty-free shopping, shopping, g ames, movies, movies, moving moving maps, services duty-free games, information, aand nd m ore. W hen ccombined ombined wi th eeXConnect, XConnect, yyou ou ccan an ooffer ffer h igh-speed IInternet nternet aaccess, ccess, ssocial ocial me dia information, more. When with high-speed media services, email, email, a nd e ven llive ive ttelevision elevision p rogramming rright ight to to your your p assengers’ personal personal devices. devices. eXW eXW is is more more services, and even programming passengers’ than eentertainment, ntertainment, iit’s t’s a business business platform platform that that helps helps you you d rive a ncillary rrevenue evenue wi th a dvanced e-commerce e-commerce and and than drive ancillary with advanced advertising capabilities capabilities that that is is lightweight, lightweight, cost cost effective effective and and easy easy to to install. install. advertising Available as as a sstandalone tandalone ssystem ystem o o ccomplement omplement yyour our eembedded mbedded IIFEC FEC ssolution, Available orr tto olution, eeXW XW iiss aanother nother w way ay P Panasonic anasonic is cconnecting onnecting tthe he b usiness and and pleasure pleasure ooff fl ying. is business flying.

PAX-2012-FebMar-AIX-v012 3/12/12 10:00 AM Page 10

NEWS INTERIOR NEWS Yarwood NT will offer an aesthetic appeal and sense of luxury

Altitude extends product offering with galley innovation project Altitude Aerospace Interiors (Altitude) has recently announced the development of a new galley innovation project, which will extend the company’s current product offering. In order to be able to sell an entire suite of monuments throughout the cabin, Altitude and their manufacturing partners are investing heavily in galley technologies. According to a release from the company, Altitude’s previous experience in designing and manufacturing other complex monuments helps to put them in an excellent position to offer galleys. “This is a natural progression for us, and I think we can bring something new to the galley market,” said Baden Smith, Head of Airlines at Altitude. Altitude says the new initiative will help customers that want to simplify their supply chain and at the same time, be able to have an interior that is different from their competitor’s.

Yarwood Leather brings forward two new products Yarwood Leather Ltd will be launching two new products, Yarwood NT and Seat Cover Solutions, both of which have been designed to build on the company’s reputation as a market leader in innovation and aviation leather products. The latest lightweight genuine leather available, Yarwood NT will offer enhanced durability at a weight of only 420gsm. Made using genuine leather, the company said Yarwood NT will offer an aesthetic appeal and a sense of luxury, while reducing the average economy pax weight. On a maximum configuration A380, this leather has the potential to reduce weight by nearly 1 tonne. Yarwood Leather will also introduce Seat Cover Solutions, a new service that will allow airlines to source leather seat covers from leather manufacturers. This vertically integrated supply ensures that economical and fixed priced covers can be supplied in shorter lead times and with higher quality.

MacCarthy Aviation lands contract with Brussels Airlines MacCarthy Aviation has recently landed a contract with Brussels Airlines to upgrade the business and economy class lavatories on five of its A330 aircraft. The design and installation will include a new worktop and basin, lighting, amenity stowage and an enhanced vanity unit. The finished product is set to compliment the airlines new colour scheme and corporate identity, said the online press release. “MacCarthy Aviation is delighted that we can add yet another national airline to our customer base. Working with the client from the concept stage our Industrial Design team interpreted the customer brief beyond their expectations and produced some quite exceptional renderings. Brussels Airlines’ vision for their corporate branding throughout their fleet is innovative, fresh and will have a lasting impression on their customers for years to come,” said Mark Radford, Business Development Director at MacCarthy Aviation. The first set of installations is scheduled for completion in Spring 2012, at the Lufthansa Technik MRO facility in Malta.

PAX INTERNATIONAL

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

The design and installation will include a new work top and basin, lighting, amenity stowage and an enhanced vanity unit

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NEWS INTERIOR NEWS

Lantal to present latest conceptional forecast collection Lantal will be presenting its latest Conceptional Forecast collection for total cabin concepts, which have been crafted to maximize the well-being of passengers, at the AIE 2012 The highlights in seat cover fabrics will be shown, showing off smooth stripes, granular textures and waffle patterns. Colorways will also emphasize subtle blues, elegant graphite grays,

New seat cover fabrics have been crafted to maximize the well-being of passengers

earthy hues, and zesty accents. Meanwhile in carpets, fishbone and tweed classics have been reinterpreted and paired with structures as well as novel patterns, featuring generous faded repeats. Matching curtains and leathers will round out the collection, with designs and colors based on Lantalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Conceptional Forecast 2012.

Sell launches new generation of inserts with full product range Keeping the customer and industry requirements in mind, Sell has recently developed a new Generation of Inserts, with a full product range that includes an oven, coffee maker, beverage maker, water boiler and bun warmer.

Combining both form and function, the new product line is set to deliver an attractive and elegant outer appearance and also is aimed to incorporate the increased functionalities required by airlines today.

Southwest Airlines chooses E-Leather for new interior on select aircrafts Southwest Airlines recently announced that E-Leather has officially been chosen as the appropriate upholstery for the seats inside their â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Spirit interiorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; aircrafts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;E-Leather is a win-win-win for our passengers, our business, and the environment. By providing us with a high-quality product that looks great, is comfortable and lighter weight, E-Leather is the perfect fit for Southwestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ground-breaking interior redesign,â&#x20AC;? said Angela Vargo, Manager of Customer Marketing and Experience at Southwest Airlines. According to Geoffrey Buschur, Systems Engineer at Southwest Airlines, E-leather offers numerous advantages, which allow it to stand out among its competition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By selecting E-Leatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rolled stock we get a consistent raw material with predictable performance. Our manufacturing vendors can utilize mass production techniques, that not only help them operate more efficiently but helps us get a uniform final product at a lower price. When you add in the weight savings, durability and environmental sustainment qualities, ELeather really stands above the competition. All these efficiencies help us keep our cost down while maintaining an industry leading interior for our customer,â&#x20AC;? he said.

An insulated serving pot, a steam oven without internal overpressure and an oven door with double safety latching of which can be operated with one hand only, are just some of the advantages that Sell`s new Generation of Inserts offers.

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PAX-2012-FebMar-AIX-v012 3/12/12 10:01 AM Page 12

INDUSTRY Q&A

Together at last! Aircraft Interiors Expo and World Travel Catering and Onboard Services Expo Event Director John Hyde chats with PAX International about what visitors and exhibitors can expect to see, hear and take away from this year’s newly co-located events running from March 27-29, 2012 By Maryann Simson PAX International: There is a lot of speculation in the industry about how Reed came to be the organizer of the world’s largest travel catering and onboard services annual trade show, formerly part of the International Travel Catering Association (ITCA). Can you set the record straight for us about what exactly happened and where it all stands now? John Hyde: We felt that airline catering –

ing them as one large event? How easily will delegates be able to move between shows? Hyde: We are certainly not just treating World

time for several years that industry heavyweights Gate Gourmet, Servair and LSG Sky Chefs are all exhibiting at the same travel catering and onboard services exhibition.

Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo and Aircraft Interiors Expo as simply one large event. Both events contain areas that require tailored marketing to visitors. For example the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo is not just about an airline’s which is obviously a crucial part of the onboard onboard services, so we are also reaching out passenger experience – was under-represented to rail operators and cruise and ferry operators for whom this event is equally valuable. However there In early 2011, it was announced that Reed Exhibitions had are obviously many

PAX:What sort of numbers are you expecting to see for both shows individually and combined in Hamburg in 2012? Hyde: We anticipate similar visitor num-

acquired the ITCA’s annual European trade show, but had decided to re-name the event and harmonize the branding with Aircraft Interiors Expo

at Aircraft Interiors Expo. We looked at various ways of incentivizing more food and beverage exhibitors to attend Aircraft Interiors Expo but our research demonstrated that this segment of the cabin interiors market tends to have a different set of airline procurement personnel from those who traditionally attend Aircraft Interiors Expo and that exhibitors preferred it to be a separately branded event, although they were very interested in seeing it co-locating with Aircraft Interiors Expo. Following negotiations, we acquired the event from ITCA but decided to give it a new name and harmonize the branding with our Aircraft Interiors Expo event. We also engaged with a number of key exhibitors to ensure we secured their buy in to the event. PAX: Do you have separate teams working on WTCE and AIX, or is Reed treat-

PAX INTERNATIONAL

Last year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo drew 7,900 attendees from 89 countries

synergies with the two events. We have allocated additional resources within all the key areas – sales, marketing, event management and operations - to ensure that both events receive the attention they deserve. PAX: Industry members have been asking for one major show to attend for a long time now. Has the feedback been positive regarding the newly co-located Hamburg events? Do any exhibitors/delegates feel it is not a good idea? Hyde: So far the feedback has been good

and I think the fact that World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo was 95% sold before the end of 2011 demonstrates both the need for this event and exhibitors’ trust in Reed to deliver in this sector. It is also the first

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

bers attending Aircraft Interiors Expo as last year when 7,900 visitors (*pre-ABC Audit figure) attended from 89 countries. The number of airlines that attended was 144. In terms of square meterage we are 100% sold out and the show will cover over 16,600 square meters. The number of exhibiting companies – just over 500 – is the same as in 2011.

In terms of World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo we cannot speculate on possible visitor numbers as this is the first time we’ve run the event. We currently have 180 exhibiting companies participating covering 4,300 square meters. PAX: Do you expect the financially unstable Euro-zone will affect the show at all? Hyde: In previous years we have faced down

the threats of everything from economic downturns and rocketing fuel prices to airspace closures due to ash clouds. Of course, any global or local economic events that have an impact on travel operators can ultimately affect our exhibitors and visitors – but because

PAX-2012-FebMar-AIX-v012 3/12/12 10:01 AM Page 13

INDUSTRY Q&A

sion entitled ‘Offering choice, making money – what are the future service options your customers will want to buy into?’

Aircraft Interiors Expo is the ‘must attend’ event of the cabin interiors calendar it has been remarkably resilient to economic challenges and we have maintained virtually the same levels of exhibitors and visitors over the last three events. PAX: You have a conference scheduled for March 26 for AIX. Who are some of the speakers and what can the industry learn from attending it? Hyde: Our speaker line up includes

PAX: Are there any information/conference sessions planned for WTCE? Hyde: Yes one of the dedicated

streams of the conference is geared towards topics relevant to World Travel Catering and Onboard Services Expo visitors and exhibitors (and is going to be chaired by your editor Rick Lundstrom). Subjects covered will include ‘A New vision for comfort – lessons from the hospitality industry’ and ‘Meeting changing expectations of friendliness and service.’

John Hyde, Aircraft Interiors Expo and World Travel Catering and Onboard Services Expo Event Director

Peter Lewalter, Head of Cabin Interiors and IFE at Lufthansa. The conference will begin with a look into the future provided by well-known design and innovation consultancy Seymourpowell – this will give industry a valuable insight into our changing tastes and lifestyles – highlighting the critical trends shaping passengers’ travel expectations in the future. This is a joint conference with World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo; leading speakers from the travel catering and hospitality world include Arnaud Masson, Head of Onboard Services for Eurostar International, who will be joining a panel discus-

PAX: Are there any talks currently about combining AIX Americas or the Asia events with inflight service associations as well? Hyde: Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas has

run successfully with a co-location with both IFSA and APEX in the past. This year APEX and IFSA have opted to return to Long Beach because they felt this location worked better for their members. We, in turn, feel that Seattle works better for Aircraft Interiors Expo

Americas exhibitors as it is at the heart of North America’s airline supply chain. We continue to talk to both APEX and IFSA as important associations which are complementary to Aircraft Interiors Expo’s offering. PAX: What are you most excited about seeing or being a part of in Hamburg this year? Hyde: The co-location of both these events

means that we really feel we are at the forefront of innovations taking place across the whole of the passenger experience now. Some of the trends I’m going to be looking out for are the growth of what’s on offer for regional airline operators, the latest in the world of inflight entertainment and connectivity and what food trends are inspiring travel operators. PAX: What one piece of key advice would you give to a new exhibitor or delegate for Hamburg 2012? Hyde: For exhibitors it would be to make

the most of the marketing and PR support on offer to maximize your visibility both before and during the events. For visitors we highly recommend that they take the time to look at both shows at the Hamburg Messe – there may well be valuable ideas on show in one that could cross over into a complementary area.

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PEOPLE NEWS

Goeke named gategroup SVP Doug Goeke has been named gategroup’s Group Senior Vice President and President of its North America region. He took over the new position January 1. He has served as President and Managing Director for Gate Gourmet Canada since November 2010. Goeke continues to have oversight of Canada and will direct responsibility for all of the Gate Gourmet’s U.S. operations. He is also a member of the gate- Doug Goeke was previously gategroup’s managing director for group Executive Management Board. Gate Gourmet Canada Goeke joined gategroup as the Chief Financial Officer for Gate Gourmet’s North America region in 2003. Previously, he held progressively responsible financial positions with The Lincoln Electric Company and earlier worked with the international accounting firm Arthur Andersen LLP.

Marco Candiani joined Servair Air Chef late last year

Candiani takes over Servair Air Chef Servair has appointed Marco Candiani to the position of General Manager of Servair Air Chef. Candiani began his career as a consultant at T&MSI Consulting. In 1992 he became Logistics Manager of CO.E.S. SpA (Compagnie Edil Sanitaria), an Italian company specializing in hydrothermal sanitary installations. Candiani joined Salvesen Cavalieri Logistica SpA in 1997 before taking the position of Development Manager in the Italian subsidiary of the Kuehne Nagel group in 2001. His duties included overseeing supply for Carrefour hypermarkets. He was then appointed as Director of Retail & Consumer Operations for logistics management and key account supply for such companies as Sephora, Carrefour, Danone, and Carslberg.

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Nico Vandecaveye appointed Managing Director for deSter Nico Vandecaveye joined gategroup’s deSter brand as Managing Director February 1. He is responsible for deSter sales, operations and financial performance worldwide. He is based at the company’s headquarters in Hoogstraten, Belgium. Before joining deSter Vandecaveye was Vice President of Sales at Georgia-Pacific in Brussels. Georgia-Pacific manufactures tissue, pulp, paper, packaging, building products and related chemicals, and Mars Inc., a global food manufacturer.

Anne Bauer named President of Racket Group Anne Bauer has been named President and CEO of Racket Group in Kansas City, Missouri. Racket Group is privately owned by the Hoagland family, which also operates businesses in cattle and citrus growing. Racket was established in 1891. Joe Hoagland will remain Chairman of the Board of Racket Merchandise Company. His son, Dirck Hoagland has taken over daily management of two cattle ranches and the commercial feedlot. Bauer has been with the company for 14 years. She was responsible for opening Racket Group’s offices in Europe and worked as European Sales Manager for several years. She returned to the United States to become the company’s Director of Sales. Last year, Racket’s overall sales increased nearly 30% under her leadership.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

New CEO for MTN Satellite Communications MTN Satellite Communications the provider of communications, connectivity and content services to remote locations around the world has appointed Errol Olivier President and Chief Executive Officer. He most recently served as the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer. Errol Olivier has more than Olivier has more than 25 years experience in telecommunications. 25 years experience in telecommunications. Before joining MTN, Olivier was President and CEO of Broadpoint and President and COO of CapRock Communications. Additionally, Joe Wright, who served as MTN’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, is now Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. Wright is currently a Senior Advisor at Providence Equity Partners and Chart Capital Partners. MTN offers services and solutions to cruise lines, commercial shipping, oil and gas, mega yachts, government entities and aviation markets.

New to Zodiac sales team Zodiac Group an nounced in a recent company newsletter that Eileen Song has joined the company’s Galley Equipment Sales team at its Singapore offices. Song has spent seven years in sales and customer service experience in the aerospace and Eileen Song previously worked with Leki Aviation hospitality industries. She recently graduated with a degree in Aviation Industry Management with Distinction at RMIT University in Australia. Her experience includes a period as Sales Executive at Leki Aviation PTE Ltd. in Singapore. Leki Aviation specializes in the supply and distribution of aircraft parts, interiors and components to the global Aviation industry.

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less noise, lifelike sound and a comfortable ﬁt. And our high-quality materials and attention to detail make the Bose QC15 headphones a reliable long-term investment. Try them for yourself and we think you’ll agree…they will enhance the value of your IFE system, delight your passengers and help differentiate your airline brand. For more information, please contact us at your convenience:

PAX-2012-FebMar-AIX-v012 3/12/12 10:01 AM Page 16

REGIONAL REPORT

A TIGHT cluster Each year thousands descend on Hamburg for the annual Aircraft Interiors Expo, but the ones who stay behind after the crowds have left are reshaping the future of aviation – particularly in the cabin By Rick Lundstrom

Instruction at the Hamburg Centre of Aviation Training

ts streets are leafy and pleasant, its nightlife is notable and the wide Elbe River in the Free and Henseatic City of Hamburg has been Germany’s seaport lifeline to the outside world. On a boat trip along the Elbe, hosted by officials from the city, the past can be brought in stark contrast to the present with just a few facts. In early days, one learns that the 60-kilometer trip to the North Sea along the river could take up to 13 days. Goods loaded in rail cars by massive gantries do work in minutes what used to take a crew of men half a day. But still, it’s not enough. Plans are discussed for constantly reworking the hard-worked river, including the engineering challenge of making it deeper to accommodate larger ships. Fast-forwarding from the past to present brings Hamburg to the mega-modern Airbus Operations Center (which hosted the delivery of the first A380 to Lufthansa German Airlines during 2010’s AIX), the headquarters of Lufthansa Technik and a handful of other aviation companies that generate €7 billion (US$9.27 billion) in yearly sales. They make

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up the Aviation Cluster Hamburg Metropolitan Region, a federally recognized leading edge group of core players that are actively involved in a wide range of aviation disciplines. “The Cluster is a tight and effective network of all actors,” said Kristin Rüther, Public Relations Manager for the ACHMR tells PAX International. “From industry, research and development community and administration.” All of the players in the ACHMR are located within 40 miles of the Hamburg metropolitan region. It is within that tight group where most of the aviation research and development is taking place. By the end of next year, the ACHMR estimates that more than €80 million (US$105 million) will be spent on research projects. The Federal Republic of Germany will provide half the money. The research covers the entire life cycle of a civil aircraft with a goal of finding ways to make aviation more economical, ecological, comfortable, reliable, and more flexible. Those goals led to three flagship projects, which are being carried out by Lufthansa Technik, Airbus and the German Aerospace

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

Centre working with Hamburg Airport. The Cabin Technology and Innovative Fuel Cell Applications project is focusing on lightweight materials and hydrogen based fuel cells to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. A second program focuses on extended maintenance, repair and overhaul for future aircraft generations. The research has a goal of ensuring optimal support through an aircraft’s life cycles. “Airport 2030” seeks to develop sustainable concepts and solutions to address the increase in air traffic. While all are important, airline passenger comfort is the goal and desire of many at the AIX. Three flagship projects are getting attention. Lufthansa Technik is leading a project on acoustic concepts for aviation of the future. At Bishop GmbH, research is taking place on aircraft seat rails. At the German Aerospace Center, researchers are studying light sensitivity and cabin climate.

Under one roof To do much of the work, eight partners in the city have established the Center for Applied

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REGIONAL REPORT In addition to cabin technologies the ZAL-TechCenter will focus on fuel cell technologies, air conditioning and fuselage integration

Aeronautical Research (ZAL). “Here the players in the Aviation Cluster can research under one roof, and in the future they will be joined by supra-regional and international companies,” said Rüther. Partners in the ZAL include,the City of Hamburg, Airbus Operations GmbH, Lufthansa Technik AG, the Association for the Promotion of Applied Aviation Research, the German Aerospace Center, the Hamburg University of Technology, the University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg and the Helmut-Schmidt-University/University of Bundeswehr in Hamburg. The ZAL operates in two locations: The BusinessCenter in the city’s Airport Plaza and the TestCenter at the Lufthansa Technik base. Both are within the ground of Hamburg airport, which handles approximately 15 million passengers per year. Behind the doors, testing, monitoring and certifications occur. Starting next year, the TechCenter in HamburgFinkenwereder will bring application-ori-

ented research and technology development in Hamburg under one roof. “In the TechCenter, at Hamburg Airport, and in the TechCenter due to open in 2013 near the Airbus factory, cabin concepts and technologies, air conditioning systems, fuselage and system integration systems and full cell and hydrogen cell applications will be tested,” said Rüther. The ZAL makes up half of the Aviation Cluster centers. Just after last year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo, the Hamburg Center for Aviation Training (HCAT) opened its doors. “Universities, vocational training schools and the aviation industry itself proactively network here to train specialist personnel to meet demand at Europe’s only such inter-campus cooperative project,” said Rüther. Again, emphasis is placed on the cabin and cabin systems fields, along with initial and advanced training in the areas of avionics/electronics and structure. Officials stress the HCAT project is unique across Europe. Partners in the project are from government and business. Partners in the HCAT include, the Ministry of Economics, Transportation and Innovation, the Ministry of Science and Research, the Ministry of Education and Training, the State Vocational School for Manufacturing and Aircraft Engineering

G15, the University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg, along with Lufthansa Technical Training and Airbus. The HCAT is primarily focused on avionics and structure qualifications. However, another part of the center, called HCAT II, is known as the Cabins and Cabin Systems Laboratory (CCS). In March of last year when work was completed on the center, the CCS laboratory was used by the University of Applied Sciences. “HCAT is more than just a physical building,” said a description of the facility. “It is a synonym for innovative ways of training specialist personnel.” After presenting its first progress report in 2010, the ACMHR received an additional €10 million (US$13.3 million) in funding to join the €30 million (US$40 million) to fund the research projects it has undertaken. In September of 2008, the five leading edge clusters in Germany were chosen. Among them were the Biotech cluster in the RhineNeckar Metropolitan Region, the Cool Silicon – Energy Efficiency Innovation for Saxony, the Forum of Organic Electronics fin, the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region, and the Solar Valley of Central Germany. “An independent jury selects the leadingedge clusters,” said a release from the ACHMR. “Those clusters which best fulfill the fundamental ideas of the competition; creating and implementing a joint strategy, the concept of which aims to develop innovative products, processes and services and establish them in the market as quickly as possible.”

58 entries vie for Crystal Cabin Awards Delegates and exhibitors at Aircraft Interiors Expo will see the most visible activities of the Aviation Cluster Hamburg Metropolitan Region in the annual Crystal Cabin Awards, which had 58 entries this year. The first Crystal Cabin Awards was launched at the AIX in 2007. Several new categories join the established list. This year, awards will be given for Premium Class Products, and Visionary Concepts. Other categories are Passenger Comfort, Industrial Design and Technical Concepts, along with Greener Cabin, Health and Safety, and Material Components. Peter Vink, from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, is chairman of the Crystal Cabin Awards Judging Committee. In a January 11 release on the awards, Vink said he was particularly impressed the efforts by entrants to improve passenger comfort. Delft University

of Technology recently conducted a study of aircraft comfort and found that among the new aircraft models going into service, the comfort level has risen from 6.2 to 7.8 on a scale of 0 to 10. “And there are many other submissions focusing on, for instance, efficiency, weight reduction and passenger experience,” he said. Entries range from small, physical details to new wireless inflight entertainment systems, integrated air conditioning, and special features for persons with The Crystal Cabin Awards await handout at last year’s reduced mobility. Aircraft Interiors Expo To make it to the competition, entries must pass a process where they are evaluated Panel evaluated each of the accepted entries. by a pre-selection committee that picked the The entire process will result in six finalists 58 entries. The finalists were picked at the end being presented with trophies in a ceremony, of February after 23 experts in the Judging at the AIX in Hamburg on March 27.

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IFE REPORT

THE

Azerbaijan Airlines began service in 2011 offering the L7 to its passengers and using digEcor as a full service content provider

RUNDOWN IFE hardware leaders discuss progress made in 2011, what’s on display at Aircraft Interiors Expo and what’s in store for 2012 By Maryann Simson

In alphabetical order, here is the rundown:

digEcor improves internally According to Adam Williams, Marketing Director at digEcor, Inc., 2011 was a successful year for the company. The first and second quarters, he says, were largely spent finalizing and fulfilling new orders for the L7 portable IFE unit launched at the end of 2010. digEcor’s largest and one of its oldest customers, Alaska Airlines opted to update its entire program from the digEplayer XT to the L7 last year, as did Pacific Blue Airlines. Azerbaijan Airlines, the fast-growing flag carrier of the small nation bordering Iran, Armenia, Georgia and Russia, began service in 2011 offering the L7 to its passengers and using digEcor as a full service content provider. The AVOD content set for Azerbaijan includes the standard content set provided on the digEplayer L7 as well as some additional sports programming, children’s shows, and general television entertainment. The additional content is actually

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being viewed on hardware from another provider (the Panasonic eX2 system) found in executive classes. For digEcor, this marks the first official foray into serving up content on a system other than its own. “In 2011, we deployed thousands of devices around the world. It was great to see the confidence from our current customers as well as new customers for this latest generation of devices,” said Adam Williams, Marketing Director at digEcor Inc. “The other big thing that happened for us in 2011 was actually in-house. We took quite a bit of time reviewing our processes, some of our organizational structure, as well as finances and accounting. Today we are much stronger internally than we were a year ago and that puts us in a position where we are better able to support customers and provide better products and services.” In April of last year the Springville, Utahbased supplier announced it had completed

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

embedded ship-set installation of a 737-700 belonging to Gulf Air. The aircraft has since been operating from Bahrain to Milan and Geneva, says Williams, adding that digEcor and the carrier continue to monitor operations for reliability, passenger acceptance and failure rates. EASA certified, the embedded L7 uses in-seat power, features a PA interrupt, and is seat centric as all content is stored locally on the device. “It is going very well,” Williams reveals. “It has actually shown to be very reliable and we are currently in discussion with Gulf Air to determine how we are going to move forward with that program.”

The IMS Company: eight is great, but more is better Visitors to the IMS Company’s stand at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 0

PAX-2012-FebMar-AIX-v012 3/12/12 10:02 AM Page 19

Now Playing. ,_WLYPLUJL ^OH[ ^L ZLL L]LY` Å PNO[

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PAX-2012-FebMar-AIX-v012 3/12/12 10:02 AM Page 20

IFE REPORT C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 8

in particular is proving popular as evidenced by the eight airlines that have selected it, including airberlin, Air Transat, Air Tahiti Nui, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa German Airlines, SriLankan and another yet to be announced. “The success of RAVE continues, as airlines continue to see the benefits of our unique system,” says Joe Renton, CEO at The IMS Company. “For a company like ours, reversing decades of working with a completely different system architecture, at a time when airlines were reducing the amount of money spent on IFE was a calculated risk. We are very pleased with the The RAVE system is proving popular as evidenced by the eight airlines success we have experithat have selected it enced so far and expect this success to continue in 2012.” meetings and product demonstrations. By mid-2012, Gray expects that The IMS The expansion is more than warranted, says Harry Gray, Vice President of Sales and Mar- Company will have close to 30 aircraft flying keting at The IMS Company, by the extraor- with RAVE globally. The IFE provider has, and dinary forward momentum that the com- continues to work with passenger seating pany has gained in recent months. Both of the manufacturers including ACOR, AVIO, B/E company’s advanced hardware options; RAVE, Aerospace, Contour, Geven, Recaro, Sicma, a passenger centric embedded AVOD IFE Sogerma, Thompson and ZIM, thus ensursystem and EDGE, a new portable media ing that airline customers are guaranteed player using the Samsung Galaxy Tab and flexibility. AS9100 and ISO 9001 certificaAndroid operating system, saw first deliveries in 2011. The RAVE system will have a little more elbow room this time around. On the heels of a banner year, the Brea, California-based IFE solutions provider increased the size of its trade show floor space by one-third in anticipation of successful

WiPAX is a stand-alone wireless content delivery system designed for airlines with smaller aircraft not equipped with in-seat AVOD and IFE monitors

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

tions have been recently obtained by IMS and roughly half a dozen prominent aircraft types have been tested or installed, such as the A330, A340, 747, 767 and 777. “This year will be another exciting year for IMS as we continue to deliver RAVE to our existing customers and expand our customer base with new orders,” Gray says. “We will continue to manage our growth by adding personnel and streamlining our processes both internally and with suppliers. We have a focused plan to maintain a high level of quality in all aspects of our operations.”

Lumexis launches wireless delivery On January 23, Lumexis CEO and long-time figure in the IFE sector, Doug Cline, introduced his company’s answer to airline demand for a single aisle aircraft IFE solution. WiPAX is a stand-alone wireless content delivery system designed for airlines with smaller aircraft not equipped with inseat AVOD and IFE monitors. Derived from the company’s FTTS (fibre to the screen) head end server providing output to standard embedded screens, WiPAX enables passengers to access entertainment using their own Wi-Fi equipped personal electronic devices, while allowing airline customers to save themselves the costs associated with aircraft retrofit and related downtimes. “Successful deployment of any complex IFE system into airline fleet applications requires integration and management of broadly diverse elements,”

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IFE REPORT

United Continental has selected Panasonic’s Global Communications Suite Ku-band Wi-Fi solution onboard more than 300 aircraft beginning in mid-2012

said Cline at the time of the product’s introduction. “FTTS and WiPAX provide any airline an unmatched, seamless solution across its entire fleet. Whether wide body or narrow body, long or short-haul, pay-per-view or customer amenity, Lumexis systems provide proven, leading-edge solutions with the highest capacity and reliability.” WiPAX offers the ability to simultaneously offer HDTV over fiber to large screens

in premium cabins, while streaming content wirelessly in another class.

Panasonic: eX marks the spot PAX International recently caught up with Neil James, Executive Director, Corporate Sales and Product Management for Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic). “2011 was an amazing year for Panasonic,”

he revealed in the interview. “We were able to reinforce our market leadership with significant business from existing customers, delivering our vision of the connected aircraft, bolstering our installed base and developing the next generation of IFEC solutions.” That may seem like a tall order, but it is one that is reasonable for Panasonic; a company with widespread success and many years experience in the consumer electronic

Developed by Air-Eltec Luftfahrttechnik and SkyMax, the SkyTender is a fully-automated beverage trolley and a must for modern airlines. Capable preparing up to 20 different drinks such as tea and coffee, fruit juices, soft drinks, mixed cocktails, freshly-pulled beer and even wine; SkyTender provides airlines with clear financial and economical benefits In recent months SkyTender has been rigorously tested and optimized for enhanced weight savings, waste reduction, space savings and beverage variety. See the difference. Reap the rewards.

Contact:

SkyMax Company Siemensstr. 11 30916 Isernhagen Phone: +49 511 1659510 Fax: +49 511 16595133 info@skymax.eu www.skymax.eu

Visit stand 6B62 – Aircraft Interiors Expo Hamburg

www.pax-intl.com

PAX INTERNATIONAL

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IFE REPORT

industry and significant market share in the world of inflight entertainment to compliment it. In 2011 Panasonic witnessed ongoing interest in the most advanced of its IFE solutions, the eX3 launched last September. One of a full suite of X-series IFEC products the eX3 system has already been adopted by its first publicly announced customer, the Brazilian airline, TAM. Also in 2011, the company was pleased to reveal jointly with United/Continental that the major North American carrier had selected Panasonic’s Global Communications Suite Ku-band Wi-Fi solution onboard more

work with their own wireless devices. The eXLite was also recently developed and launched as a cost-effective and lightweight alternative for the retrofit market. “Panasonic is a solutions company,” says James. “Our job is to align with our customers’ business goals and provide the technology that makes that real.” At this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Panasonic will focus on what they call the transition of IFEC Systems to “passenger-centric business platforms” and will demonstrate the X-series portfolio designed

move into new and highly competitive territory. And, a person knowing anything at all about the conservatively-managed firm, will trust Rockwell Collins has rigorously ensured it will meet customer expectations. “Before PAVES™ 3 was unveiled at APEX 2011, it was in development for about a year and were partnering with OEMs to make it offerable. We expect this to happen in 2013,” reveals JD Pauly, Director of Product Development. “The system was very well embraced at APEX, especially the architecture. Once potential customers were able to see the system first-hand and realized

than 300 aircraft beginning in mid-2012. Etihad Airways also announced its selection of Panasonic for an IFEC installation including broadband Internet and live TV, for an entire long haul fleet of wide body aircraft. Early estimates indicate the deal may be valued at more than US$1 billion. In addition to contact and delivery news, Panasonic unveiled new products in 2011 as well. According to James, the company leveraged its global service and support organization, ability to offer extensive content and wireless integration skill to present eXW to the airline industry. The eXW is a wireless IFEC solution, which already has its first airline customer. Ideal for regional, short haul flights or as a compliment to an embedded system, passengers can access the eXW net-

to maximize passenger personalization and enjoyment.

the significant reductions in size, weight and power – their eyes opened to the advantages the system brings.” Its weight, or lack thereof, is an alluring feature of the PAVES™ 3. The total system weight, which includes 10.1 (baseline) and 12.1-inch touch screen HD in-seat solutions, will average less than four pounds per seat. Each in-seat unit will have 128 GB of content storage, which airlines customers can upgrade if desired. The content management can be handled independent of Rockwell Collins’ involvement, in cooperation with the content provider of choice. The monitors also feature an incredibly easy “swap out” design should failure occur. Finally, the use of a new high-

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Rockwell Collins PAVES the path to success At the Airline Passenger Experience Association’s trade show in September 2011, representatives from Rockwell Collins brought airline, media and other visitors into a private room within their orange and white stand to meet PAVES™ 3. Launched at the event, PAVES™ 3 is Rockwell Collins’ answer to growing demand for single-aisle in-seat IFE solutions. Formerly specializing in singleaisle overhead systems (and of course their industry leading Airshow series of moving maps), Rockwell Collins tossed its hat into the ring signaling its readiness and capability to

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 4

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IFE REPORT C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 2

reliability operating system, QNX, will drive availability to standards unseen in the inseat business to date. “Each in-seat PAVES™ 3 unit works independently from each other and the headend equipment,” says Pauly, adding that this results in no single point of failure in this architecture unlike traditional server based systems. “If one in-seat unit fails, no other units will be affected. Assuming the airline keeps a few monitors behind the last row as spares, flight attendants can swap out monitors with a single tool in less than a minute.” Aircraft installed with the PAVES™ 3 system utilize the High Definition Media Server (HDMS) already available for its overhead system to provide broadcast capability for announcements and boarding music. This reuse offers airlines flexibility in terms of configuration by class, if desired. Passengers will also be able to connect their personal electronic devices, such as cameras, laptops and smart phones to their personal PAVES™ 3 monitor to view individual content on its larger screen. Rockwell Collins intends to continue promoting the advantages of the PAVES™ 3 sys-

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tem at the upcoming Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg and hints at new announcements regarding the product

Row 44 going live With a number of key agreements penned in 2011, Row 44 enters the new calendar year in hot pursuit of new customers, market share and leading edge technology. “We signed agreements in 2011 with many major studios and networks, in the Americas and overseas, to create an in-flight broadband entertainment platform that includes both on-demand video content and live streaming IPTV television right to passengers’ Wi-Fi enabled devices,” explained Howard Lefkowitz, Chief Commercial Officer at Row 44. “Those agreements included Major League Baseball for live streaming video and audio of thousands of games throughout the season, on-demand movies and TV shows from Disney, Twentieth Century FOX, NBC Universal and Warner Bros., as well as live IPTV television arrangements with FOX News, CNBC and MSNBC, BBC World News, NBC Sports Network and Bloomberg Television.” A shuffle in top level management started

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

2012 off for the Satellite-based in-flight broadband entertainment platform as they revealed in mid-January that John LaValle, the company’s longtime Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, had become Row 44’s CEO. Co-founder and former CEO John Guidon had assumed the Chief Technical Officer role and would remain on the company’s board of directors. The changes, says the company, reflect Row 44’s significant expansion plans, which began in early 2012, and will draw on both LaValle’s and Guidon’s respective strengths. These plans include launching the aforementioned live TV enabled broadband entertainment platform.

SiT takes Zodiac Aerospace in new directions A leader in the cabin interior technologies for the airline industry, Zodiac Aerospace, with its headquarters in France, has enlarged its seat equipment expertise and offer by doing something no other seat maker has attempted thus far. Over the last several years, C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 6

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IFE REPORT

Thales has taken many steps to ensure that the AVANT system continues to grab and hold the attention of airlines and passengers

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 4

Zodiac Aerospace has been developing, and even winning customers for its very own IFE system, which it calls SiT (Seat Integration Technology). The project is an ambitious one for a seat maker and aims to simplify purchasing and installation for airlines, which now have the option of buying passenger seating and the integrated in-seat IFE together. According to Zodiac Aerospace, SiT is “lightness and simplicity itself.” Composed of a Passenger Control Unit (PCU) with game pad, QWERTY keyboard and credit card reader, a Smart Display Unit (SDU) with several display sized and 250GB SSD or HDD storage, a seat power box, Electrical Optical Module (EOM) and a SiT Interface Box (SIB), the SiT system is touted by the company for its simple architecture, low cost of ownership and light weight. Passengers using the system can enjoy full AVOD functionality, the ability to play, pause, fast forward and rewind video content, listen to music, play 2D and 3D games, catch up on events with text news, read e-books, input content like photos from a camera and even charge their own electronic devices through

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a USB cable. Cabin crew can benefit from a simplified user interface, passenger announcement management, the ability to send and update safety videos and can rest assured that content is protected. SiT has been selected by four airlines thus far including Royal Jordanian, South African Airways, Gulf Air and Corsairfly. Two airlines are flying with installed SiT IFE systems. In 2012 the company plans to introduce the system’s next generation featuring a more modern appearance, compact size and lighter weight.

Thales pushes onward with AVANT Winning multiple accolades in 2011, including coveted Avion and the Crystal Cabin Awards, was the TopSeries AVANT system from Thales. The system was first selected by Qatar Airways for their A350 aircraft and is capturing the attention of airlines with future Airbus and Boeing fleets, according to Lori Krans, VP Communications for Thales In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity business. “There is so much excitement about the

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

new Thales systems because it is based on a proven platform, scalable to meet most any airline’s need and is feature-rich.” Krans revealed in a recent interview with PAX International. “Using solid state digital servers, the TopSeries AVANT has unmatched redundancy within the head-end and up to 256GB local storage at the seat.” With more passengers than ever bringing their own consumer electronic devices onboard, Thales has taken many steps to ensure that the AVANT system accommodate a wide array of consumer electronics. The Smart Passenger Interface Module (SmartPIM) is a future-proof solution that enables passengers to connect their portable devices to the system so they can listen or view their content through the TopSeries system. The product accommodates up to four interchangeable connectors, such as USB and RCA jacks. As new connectors are introduced, airline maintenance personnel can easily upgrade the unit bringing something new to the cabin over time. The system can also be configured to incorporate the Touch Passenger Media Unit (TouchPMU) which is a handheld unit with a 3.8 inch LCD display that can

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IFE REPORT

host many Android applications found in the Google Marketplace and support custom airline applications. The Touch PMU can either stand alone or to compliment the in-seat installation. According to Krans, working with the Android operating system opens up new opportunities never pursued before. Thales is now working with Android developers on building a Thales App library for both the TopSeries AVANT system and the Touch PMU, for which they recently launched an active new web portal allowing those developers to link directly to Thales. On demonstration at Aircraft Interiors 2012, Thales will show new applications and GUI features. The system’s acclaimed Touch Passenger Media Unit will reveal the latest multi-task functionality for enhanced convenience at the seat. In partnership with Siemens, Thales adds to the scalability of TopSeries AVANT with wireless streaming media to a wide range of passenger devices. Important to see is TopConnect, the Thales suite of Connectivity solutions for ground & air communications.

ARINC connects the cabin Officially announced at the Airline Passenger Experience Association’s conference and trade show (APEX) in September 2011, the Cabin Connect Suite from ARINC is garnering much attention. Targeting commercial carriers with the goal of realizing a robust suite of connectivity offerings such as Wi-Fi for passengers and crew, the solution features Internet access via personal electronic devices and allows the airframe to become part of the carrier’s corporate network, thus great enhancing onboard service offerings. “Thanks to developments in SwiftBroadband technology we are now very pleased to offer a strong alternative value proposition for airlines wishing to pursue connectivity within the cabin,” said Lee Costin Director of ARINC’s Satellite Solutions and Cabin Services in a release. “We are seeing a large number of both short and long haul carriers looking at onboard con-

nectivity plans, ARINC is now in a position to compete head on with the more established players in the industry and we are looking forward to the next 12 months, which will be a very exciting time for inflight connectivity.” The Crew Connect aspect of the ARINC offering facilitates quick response to customer service issues by providing a direct link back to the airline’s headquarters or ground operations department. Cabin crew can book onboard transfers, track lost baggage, find a hotel room and can even troubleshoot and remedy issues with the aircrafts’ IFE by booking engineers to ensure they are on hand when the plane arrives at its destination. All these features come in addition to the revenue generation or brand enhancement opportunities created by passenger use, which airlines can opt to either charge for or incorporate as part complimentary service.

www.pax-intl.com

PAX INTERNATIONAL

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IFE AND CONNECTIVITY

Go-going Global Gogo, the company that successfully created an ATG network servicing the Continental U.S. and Alaska and brought broadband IFE access to the cabin, positions itself for expansion globally By Maryann Simson

he last 12 months have been busy ones for Gogo. Movement towards significant service and geographical expansion began with a re-branding initiative that saw the creation of a new logo; brand image and a name change from Aircell to Gogo. Then there was the launch of a new portal that offers passengers on Gogo equipped aircraft to access destination related content, news, shopping and travel information. The company also debuted Gogo Vision, a video on demand service that enables passengers to stream movies and television programs to their own Wi-Fi enabled devices. Several more announcements involving the creation of an international team, a potential satellite partnership with Inmarsat to distribute their Global Xpress service and an equipment deal with Air China rounded out what has shaped up to be a busy year for the Itasca, Illinois-based company.

Home front With a fleet already equipped and offering the company’s popular Wi-Fi service, Delta Air Lines jumped at the opportunity to offer its passengers more content wirelessly with Gogo in the summer of 2011. After a software upgrade to each jet, Delta became the first carrier to offer Gogo’s multimedia platform and the second carrier to launch Gogo Vision. Delta is now joined by American Airlines as the two domestic carriers who currently have Gogo Vision up and running in the air. “We definitely believe this is a gamechanger in the world of in-flight entertainment,” said Ash ElDifrawi, Gogo’s chief marketing officer in August when the American Airlines launch was announced. “Gogo Vision is a low-cost, light-weight, easy-to-install solution that’s very different from traditional

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IFE. The result is the airlines now have both choice and flexibility on a per fleet basis.” Top brass at American Airlines have also taken advantage of the new offering and the opportunity it provided to increase passenger satisfaction, while enhancing the airline’s brand. “We’ve been deeply involved in developing the concept of streaming video with Gogo, as part of our vision of continuing to elevate the travel experience by pushing the envelope with our inflight entertainment offerings,” said Rob Friedman, American’s Vice President of Marketing. “We continue to execute this strategy and lead in this space by making prudent investments in innovative, cutting-edge technologies.” Before the launch of Gogo Vision and the additional platform offerings, Gogo had been largely categorized by many in the industry as an air-to-ground Wi-Fi specialist in the U.S. Though the company has always maintained that it is willing to make use of various satellite networks and has stressed its international ambitions, that pesky notion had stuck. By the fourth quarter 2011, Gogo had begun to change this perception publicly with their Inmarsat and Air China announcements.

Eastern passage In the fall of 2011, Gogo and Air China reached an agreement for Gogo to provide a trial of its wireless IFE system onboard four aircraft types. On November 15, all eyes were on Gogo as the first trial flight, a 737,

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

departed Beijing en route to Chengdu. The agreement is a first for Air China, a carrier with a very large fleet and no IFE or connectivity option before now. It was also a very important announcement for Gogo, as it marked the first project with a carrier outside of North America. Trials are expected to continue on the other aircraft types; the 737800, 777, A321 and A330, with completion expected in 2012. “Gogo has a proven track record of providing wireless solutions to the aviation industry and currently is the only company to have a wireless IFE solution in market and available to consumers,” said Zhang Yang, Air China Assistant President in a November 18 release. “We look forward to working with them as we become the first Chinese air carrier to leverage their equipment to bring a wireless entertainment option to our passengers.” Should these trials please Air China and its passengers, it’s possible the carrier will consider expansion of the wireless in-flight enter-

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IFE AND CONNECTIVITY

tainment to the entire Air China fleet. Currently, the wireless Gogo Vision IFE system onboard Air China is not connected outside the aircraft, but rather is based on an intranet-like arrangement where content is pre-loaded and streams from a head-end server.

Eyes to the sky Less than two weeks after the Air China announcement, the company made headlines yet again. On November 29 the wireless cabin solutions provider and Inmarsat, a leading global mobile satellite communications services provider, jointly disclosed that Gogo had been selected as one of only two service providers to help bring Inmarsat’s highly anticipated Global Xpress satellite service to the commercial airline market, which is expected after mid-2013. In the release detailing the agreement, Inmarsat’s Managing Director for Global Express, Ian Mondale, touted Gogo’s performance, bandwidth management expertise and its ability to drive customer adoption as reasons for the selection. “We believe that this is truly a game changer for our industry in that it’s the first scalable global solution in the market. Inmarsat has assembled an incredible team and we are highly confident in the execution plan we’ve put in place,” said Michael Small, Gogo’s president and CEO in the joint release. “One of our goals is to be able to provide technology solutions that enable us to service the full-fleet needs of our current and future airline partners; regardless of aircraft size or mission. By partnering with Inmarsat, we are able to add an important piece to our technology puzzle.”

Navigating the waters It is difficult to cultivate an international coup without key strategists. Adding the right management into the mix was a task that Gogo recently embarked upon. The company announced its newest team members on January 4. International operations are to be based in London and will facilitate future international developments of the commercial aviation market, in addition to supporting the existing global sales, support and marketing infrastructure in the business aviation market.

David Russell, Senior Vice President and General Manager Commercial Aviation, Europe and the Middle East

Russell brings to Gogo more than 20 years of management experience at leading aviation IT services and telecommunications companies and most recently served as vice president of strategic programmes for SITA Group in London. Before that, he served as COO of OnAir

Russell will be challenged with growing and managing Gogo’s international business as the company begins to distribute Inmarsat’s Global Xpress satellite connectivity service and expand Gogo’s wireless in-flight entertainment solution globally. Pursuant to its memorandum of understanding with Inmarsat, Gogo expects to begin in-flight testing of the Global Xpress aeronautical services after the launch of the first Inmarsat-5 satellite, which is scheduled for mid-2013.

Niels Steenstrup, Vice President International Operations

Steenstrup has extensive global product, marketing and sales experience in the aviation industry including his experience at Connexion by Boeing where he led marketing and sales activities for Europe, the Middle East and the Americas

He has been at the forefront of in-flight connectivity through his experience at Connexion by Boeing and he’s played an instrumental role in getting Gogo’s services up and running.

www.pax-intl.com

PAX INTERNATIONAL

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COMPANY NEWS

Composite CONTAINMENT The Hybrite concept takes on a new shape as Driessen-Zodiac Aerospace prepares for this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo By Rick Lundstrom The new Hybrite container will be put in service in April

ike last year, when its new Hybrite trolley was introduced to the industry, product development at Driessen-Zodiac Aerospace is continuing its movement toward a design philosophy that produces a softer-edged, smooth cabin product for an environment where industrial looks are giving way more each year to aesthetic demands by the airlines. While its newest development, the Hybrite container is considerably less mobile than its line of full and half sized trolleys under the same name, company officials say cabin crew will notice similarities in the design; and will feel the difference from traditional aluminum fixtures every time they touch it. Like the trolleys, the company’s Hybrite composite/aluminum container is a species designed to adapt to the demands of airlines for lightweight cabin equipment without the cost associated with products made completely of high-tech composites. The Hybrite container, developed in 2011, weighs up to 2.6 kilograms less than a similar aluminum product, approximately a 10% reduction in weight from a standard container, say company officials. Development of the new Hybrite container had several priorities. “The appearance of the Hybrite container has significantly improved, compared to the looks of the classic aluminum container,” says Michiel Maris, Sales and Marketing Director Galley Equipment at Driessen-Zodiac Aerospace. “The corners are rounded and it has a new

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lock design. Similar to the Hybrite trolleys, lower deck mobile crew rest compartment the front panel of the Hybrite container can for the A330, the Hybrite container and a be sublimated with colors and illustrations.” new Hybrite folding trolley that will also be Driessen plans to offer the Hybrite con- introduced at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in tainer in a universal Standard Atlas configu- Hamburg. In the second half of this year, Driessen will ration; however, the company also has the ability to adapt the Hybrite container to meet cus- roll out the first of its modular SFE galleys. With the introduction, the company says the new tomer requests for a non-Atlas size. galley’s “plug and play” design allows it A number of other feato be installed as a complete module, tures have been built into capable of being moved into posithe containers. The softer tion in the aircraft cabin and edges and smooth surface connected at attachments will improve hygiene, says points, water outlets and the company. Flight attenelectrical systems. Once dants will notice the installed, the company change from aluminum to says its “less split” line concomposite material when nection mean fewer interthey handle the containers faces, a lesser risk of leakand open the doors, which age and improved system have a considerably connections. warmer surface temperaDriessen employs what ture than their aluminum Driessen has developed a the company calls a Max counterparts. The locking modular galley for the A320 Flex design to meet the mechanism featured in the Hybrite container can be triggered or opened shorter lead times requested by Airbus Industrie and the desire by customers for specific with one finger. “For the Hybrite container, the new slam features in their galleys. “The galley module will be delivered with latch was developed in close cooperation with the crew of KLM,” say Maris. “The main all the inserts pre-certified and tested,” said Abraham Sarraf, Sales and Marketing Direcaims were ease of opening and closing.” Production of the first Hybrite containers tor Galleys. “The total galley module will be tested as a complete functioning installation is slated for April of this year. It has been a busy year for Driessen. during the acceptance test procedures for Designers are hard at work developing a each unit before it’s delivered to the final modular galley system for the A320, a new assembly line.”

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

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It’s a debut on a grand scale, an all-new culinary composition that raises in-flight foodservice to unparalleled heights. Celebrate totally integrated galley performance with an SFE solution that reduces galley weight, minimizes power consumption and accelerates the serving process. Offering a whole new level of reliability, consistency and ease of operation, Symphony delivers a virtuoso performance. To learn more, contact us at: +1-310-884-7036 or email galleyinserts@zodiacaerospace.com.

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COMPANY NEWS

Sell GmbH’s new selection of galley inserts will be highlighted at the Aircraft Interiors Expo

FORM and FUNCTION After 55 years and the sale of tens of thousands of products, Sell GmbH comes to AIX with a new line of galley inserts designed for an increasingly discriminating group of airline customers By Rick Lundstrom

n the past year, Sell GmbH has reached milestones in sales and company longevity. Under the direction of a new CEO, who took over in July of last year, Sell is now poised to maintain its standing atop the twin aisle galley market with a new set of inserts set for debut at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo. The milestones started in May of last year, when the company noted the sale of its 30,000th convection oven, this one installed on a Lufthansa German Airlines A321. The sale was noted with a ceremony in the German city of Burg where Sell has its galley inserts facility. In mid-summer the company celebrated its 40th year as a design organization. Shortly thereafter, Sell received new leadership with the addition of Axel Rodenberg, a former Airbus engineer and plant manager, as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. Rodenberg is now working closely with the Sell’s parent company, Zodiac Aerospace to position the consortium for the future. “Several investments improving competitiveness and infrastructure are planned for the future, and Zodiac Aerospace is a strategic partner who is interested in investing in Sell and with whom we can realize our strategic projects,” said Sonja Naumann, Manager Marketing and Public Relations at Sell GmbH. “Always focusing on the market and customer needs to lead future innovations.”

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tomization in this sector,” said The industry will see a few Just. “Airlines today want to of the company’s latest efforts integrate their corporate image at innovation at this year’s Airand brand values into the craft Interiors Expo. At the design and styling of the galley, Zodiac Aerospace stand 7D50 through the implementation will be the company’s new series of illuminated logos, invisible of galley inserts. With the line, revolving catches installed Sell has sought to meet the behind the trolley doors or the needs of airlines seeking produse of roller blinds with the ucts that blend in well with the logo applications.” today’s aircraft interiors. In Sell is also facing the chaladdition to the smoother lines and aesthetic improvements, Axel Rodenberg, CEO of Sell lenge to innovate with its comGmbH manding market share for galthe products are designed to trim up to 75 kilograms in weight on a typ- leys on the A380. The company claims a 70 percent share of the big jet’s galley market. ical wide-body configuration. Other changes are structural and opera- Thus, say officials they are often called on tional. “An insulated serving pot, a steam to make products that will enhance what is oven without internal overpressure and an the pride of any airline’s fleet. With the oven door, the double safety latching of which additional cabin space afforded operators of can be operated using just one hand – these the A380, the company sees a future of are just some of the advantages of our new increasing demand for public spaces within inserts,” said Jürgen Just, Vice President of Mar- the aircraft that include both bar and galketing and Sales at Sell. The company has ley areas — sometimes separate and someadded new closing mechanisms and products times together. “Since the inception of commercial airthat are cool to the touch. Among the line of galley inserts that will be shown at AIX are craft galleys, the steadily changing needs of ovens, coffeemakers, beverage makers, water customers and stringent industry requirements have and will continually set new boilers and bun warmers. “Elliptical and curved forms, as well as challenges for aircraft interior suppliers,” the integration of lighting configurations are said Just. The industry will not stand still – only two examples of the increasing cus- quite the contrary.”

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

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COMPANY NEWS

Conducting THE SYMPHONY B

ased in Carson, California, Monogram Systems has been serving the commercial aviation sector for more than 60 years. The company, now part of the Zodiac Aerospace Group, has brought to market many of the innovative products that flight crew now find indispensable. Monogram developed the first aircraft vacuum toilet, the first aircraft trash compactor, the first aircraft recycling compactor and even the very first 16G pilot seat with a three-point tie down. This year, the company with new offices in Everett, Washington and Provo, Utah, is set to launch an all-new range of galley inserts designed to simplify the work of flight crew, save weight, reduce power consumption and cook times, and improve safety. Symphony is a totally integrated suite of galley insert products, created as supplier furnished equipment (SFE) for commercial aircraft. It includes a steam oven, convection oven, beverage chiller, coffee maker, trash compactor and water heater. The collection of inserts has been developed such that each component works in harmony with its counterparts in an integrated system, with a simple and uni-

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form control panel arrangement that users will find easy to master. “Visionary engineering has helped to create this suite of galley insert products that breaks new ground,” says Thomas Lee, Director of Business Development at Monogram Systems. “Each component has new innovations that either improve the quality of the food or coffee, or more efficiently cools or heats. Even aesthetically, there are imaginative new ideas such as colorful and interchangeable equipment panel graphics that can be customized with the product user’s logo, theme or specific decor.” In addition to improving workplace efficiency for flight crews, Monogram Systems also promises that the Symphony suite of inserts will please the palates of passengers, without testing their patience. According to the company, its new un-pressurized oven concept improves upon standard cook times by more than 2.5 minutes over the current industry standard, circulating air at 250 cubic feet per minute. This means less time spent waiting for a meal as its aroma fills the cabin. The oven also ensures more consistent

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

Monogram Systems presents its latest range of “instruments” to the aviation community By Maryann Simson

cooking results. The beverage chiller is set to impress, with a rapid cool-down mechanism and under-bottle perforation plate to help air circulate more evenly, while a new brew piston coffee maker offers maximum extracted solids for each brew, regardless of other variables. According to Lee, the uniquely “specialist” approach his company adopted throughout the development of the Symphony range has contributed greatly to its success. “Rather than putting an entire engineering team to work on all components of the system, Monogram appointed a dedicated team of engineers to each product within the suite,” he tells PAX International. “This has made it possible to capitalize on specialized skills and create a more sophisticated system that strategically integrates every element. “Also keep in mind that Monogram Systems has been a significant BFE and SFE supplier to the aviation industry for many years. By introducing an airframe lever SFE design philosophy, Monogram’s Symphony suite raises the bar of historic BFE galley insert equipment to airframe level robustness and reliability.

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RETROFIT REPORT

The Avianor hangar in Montreal

Blazing new trails From plush interiors, to seat installation, to “pit stop” IFE exchanges, retrofit companies on three continents are diving headlong into new services, some which hold the possibility of changing the way aircraft are modified By Rick Lundstrom hen Earl Diamond, Executive Vice President and COO of Avianor in Montreal, pulls himself out from under a pile of cables and components in an entertaining YouTube video, he makes a point that airlines that seek out new inflight entertainment systems are often left with a lot of wires and technology on their hands, not to mention the monumental effort of getting it installed and working consistently. Across the ocean, 60 shipsets of airline seat frames sit in a 25,000 square foot facility, designed for customers that either do not have the time, resources or the inclination to wait weeks and sometimes months for an installation of new seats from one of the major suppliers. And in the south Pacific, a crew of engineers and high-tech artisans are busy reshaping aircraft interiors, on some of the world’s most service oriented airlines, into pieces of flying artwork with cutting edge looks, by a company that has been in on the ground floor of some of the most celebrated interior designs in recent years. Those three companies, and many more are part of this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo. Out of stylish stands, they tout their abilities while others work the massive rooms to catch up with clients and suppliers in a chase, which makes the massive event tick year after year. Avianor, based in Montreal, is at the heart of one of the aviation industry hubs of North America. Outside of Seattle, few would argue that the city is the most vital aviation center on the continent, with anywhere from 60,000

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The Airvod Seatcentric™ video system will debut on Omni Air

to 70,000 people employed in the industry. However, Avianor’s most important partner last year is not based in Quebec, but Ireland, and is manufacturing an in-flight entertainment system that is part of a “pit stop” service, which Avianor will be offering customers as early as this spring. The partnership with Avianor and Airvod, the Irish company, was announced in September of last year, at approximately the same time as the IFE maker announced its first customer, Omni Air for its Seatcentric™ inflight entertainment system. The airline selected the system for its fleet of 777-200s. The Airvod Seatcentric™ has the look of a high-powered, high resolution Apple iPad, with a touch screen interface and fast wireless technology that does not rely on head-end servers. Each unit operates independently,

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

eliminating the possibility of a full system failure. The system has a large storage capacity, with up to 300 movies available due to its up to eight 128 gigabyte eMMC memory chips. Airvod is also the first company to use 5.8 GHz frequency for its wireless network, which gives its system the ability to operate without interference from personal electronic devices being used by passengers on board. Avianor is looking to add simplicity of installation to the Airvod Seatcentric’s™ simplicity of operation. In Montreal, the company will be offering airline customers a “pit stop” service. Installation projects, which could take up to a year for airlines taking on the task, can be done at the Avianor plant in anywhere from three to six months. “Airlines are in the business of flying people from A to B,” said Diamond. “They are not

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RETROFIT REPORT

A crew of seven works at the Leki Aviation’s 25+ Repair Centre in the United Kingdom

in the business to be project managers.” The Avianor “pit stop” will cover engineering, certification and physical installation of the Airvod Seatcentric™ system. The company also promises sales, repair station and spares service to the Americas. “We are actively putting all the support pieces in place and are preparing for our first installation later this spring,” said Diamond.

Leki’s latest venture In the past year, 25+ Repair Center UK (owned by Leki Aviation) has added more than 1,000 new part numbers to its capabilities. Seventy miles south of London, a new chapter in the company’s history is being written at a storage installation facility that is now filled with 60 shipsets of airline seat frames, awaiting a new home aboard one of the world’s aircraft. The first steps to establishing the company’s 25 Repair Centre took place in April of 2009 when Leki Aviation purchased two shipsets seats for an A320. The next month, the company purchased a 737-300 operated by British Airways, with all of its components and interior parts. Leki received its CAA approval to operate its 25+ Repair Centre in August 2009. It is located in the city of Chichester.

Like the Avianor project, Leki’s 25+ Repair Centre facility was opened two years ago to fill the need of airlines without time to spare. A crew of seven people mans the 25,000 square foot facility where seats are purchased and stripped down to their frames. They are kept in inventory until they are sold. SICMA, Recaro, Weber and other seat suppliers are all among the inventory of products. Typical installations can take three to four weeks, said Anne Kalman, director of business development at Leki Aviation. “The difference between an overhauled seat and buying new ones is quite significant,” said Kalman. “Plus the delivery time for new seats is quite long.” Among the new customers for Leki’s retrofit program is a five-jet installation for Danish carrier, Jet Time. In the past year, Kalman said that Leki Aviation has outfitted 25 aircraft out of the U.K. facility.

First Class outfitting In the past year, Altitude Aerospace Interiors Limited (Altitude) has been busy not only in the first class cabin of some of the most innovative airlines in the world, but cultivating the market for VIP jets and Boeing Business Jet

This divider between first class and was designed by Altitude for Virgin Australia

interiors. Since the company opened in 2008, the organization has doubled in size to just under 100 people, said Heidi-Anna Gordon, Business Development Manager - Airlines at Altitude. Altitude has done cutting edge front-cabin installations on aircraft for ANZ and Virgin Australia. Engineers and designers were in on the initial design for what is the now-famous Sky Couch that Air New Zealand installed in its economy class cabin. The award winning design makes the airline the first to offer sleeper seats for passengers paying full-fare economy class tickets. Some of the company’s most recent notable work can be found in the front cabins of Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand. In years past, Altitude showed visitors in attendance at the Aircraft Interiors Expo the stylish customized bar installation on Virgin Australia. The installation was done on the airline’s 777-300. Passengers settle in on the sliding barstools amid glassware and bottle display with mirrored back. Amid the ice wells and bottle racks is room for two full galley carts. Altitude also developed a stylish partition in blue-tinted, frameless window that separates first class and economy class on the airline’s 737-800. The company also combined bar and galley and an LCD monitor to the cabin space of a 777-300, operated by Air New Zealand. It is now involved in installing first class monuments for an international airline operator of the 747-8i. Much of the company’s capability is of a more practical nature. Altitude specializes in making good use of the cabin space with customized closets and partitions The company has also brought aboard a number of engineers in various disciplines, adding support services, authorizations and research and development. “We realize that airlines want to minimize the number of suppliers they have on their programs, therefore we aim to provide a complete solution” said Gordon.

Altitude Aerospace Interiors Ltd. galley systems, like this one for the 777 on Air New Zealand

www.pax-intl.com

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SEATING

What’s in a seat? A technician checks seats for Southwest Airlines’ new Evolve interiors

PAX International explores the fills and the fibers that go into today’s airline seats By Rick Lundstrom

n March of this year, Southwest Airlines plans to roll out the first version of a new airline cabin, outfitted front to back for decreased weight, with eco-friendly materials and additional seating that the airline says will lay the groundwork for the next 40 years of profitable, economical and more environmentally friendly operation. One of the main features of Evolve: The New Southwest Interior on 737-800 and the later 737 MAX (which will join the Southwest fleet in 2017) will be a bold colored seat with a frame made by B/E Aerospace. However, the Innovator II seat made by B/E Aerospace is currently part of the aircraft’s interior, and will remain there. “By using existing seat frames, we avoid spending an additional $50 million to refresh

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the cabin,” said a January 17 release from Southwest Airlines. Where the change will take place, is in the construction of the fill and the seat covers. There, Southwest has selected two suppliers. Franklin Products for the fill and Irvin Automotive of Pontiac, Michigan, for a product called eLeather, made from a treated natural leather fiber mixed with a resin, coated and imprinted with a grain. Altogether, Southwest says the newly designed seat will allow it to increase its passenger count on the 737 from 137 to 143, while at the same time cutting the weight by 635 pounds generating US$10 million per year in cost savings. Programs, like Evolve: The New Southwest Interior, and fabrics such as eLeather catch the

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

interest of people like Robin Butler, President of Spectra Interior Products in WinstonSalem, North Carolina. Butler studied textile technology at North Carolina State University. At trade shows and events, he takes visitors through a short history of airline seat fabric which starts with nylon covers in the 60s and 70s and on up to wool blends and further on to leather, which quickly gained popularity for its ease of maintenance and perception of luxury by travelers. “People were a little reluctant to get in a small jet,” he said. “But they get on and there’s a leather cover they were sitting on and they have the perception of first class. ‘Oh, this airplane must be OK,’” he said. “And that sort of morphed over into the major commercial carriers.”

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SEATING

The leather-as-luxury theme continues to this day on JetBlue Airways. “From a customer perspective, it is a much nicer experience than the cloth seats that get more easily worn,” said Allison Steinberg, a spokesperson for JetBlue. “We talk about our ‘comfy leather seats’ in all of our marketing material and it is a core part of the JetBlue experience. We still believe that it is a highly desirable product feature and strong product differentiator.” Visitors to this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo will have the opportunity to sample a number of fabrics. Faux leathers designed to stand up to the rigors of the cabin while cutting weight and offering ease of maintenance will be found throughout the event. Sturdy wools, the choice of airlines for long-haul flights have been adapted and shaped with new technology. In addition to its line of products, which includes leather seating, Spectra Interior

centers around the world,” said Butler. He said furnishings at the Bellagio casino in Las Vegas have been outfitted with Izit Leather since 1999 without a replacement. The product is U.S. Coast Guard approved, and is part of the interiors on several cruise ships Izit Leather is made in Japan – a country where Butler says manufacturers have the greatest expertise in the urethane-coated, polyester based fabrics that make up Izit Leather. Inherently flame-resistant, Izit Leather weighs in at 11 ounces per square yard, compared to 24 ounces per square yard for many leathers. “What that translates to in a typical coach seat is a savings of two pounds per passenger place,” he said. Izit Leather is treated with a top coating that makes it highly stain resistant. The product has stood up to some of the messiest substances that find their way onto an airline cabin. Ink, red wine, mustard and lipstick

The breathable Bolero line of seat fabrics from Tapis Corporation

Products is the exclusive distributor for Izit Leather. While not currently on a commercial airliner in the United States, Izit Leather is widely used in the business jet market and on some overseas carriers. Gulfstream jets rolling out of the assembly in Savannah, Georgia, have Izit Leather on the headliners and sidewalls. “We sell a lot to Cessna, to Dessault, to Hawker and Beech and mod

left on the seats for long periods have been washed away with mild detergents. Sales of Izit Leather products continues to be strong in the business jet market, and Butler said the company plans to staff up to make up for the growth. On the commercial side, he said that it could be only a matter of time and increased awareness before an airline selects the product for seating.

Natural wool with nano-technology While leather may continue to be an important part of the airline cabin for years to come, combinations of wool and nylon weaves are predominantly found in the cabin of long-haul aircraft. Breathable and more comfortable over long periods, wool has other properties that has made it part of the airline cabin for decades. The material is also inherently fire resistant. It can be woven into intricate patterns and, at its lightest can be as little as 10 ounces per square yard. Thirty miles south of Edinburgh, Scotland, Replin Fabrics is located in an area called The Scottish Borders near the River Tweed. Though nestled in a region well known for its sheep production, the wool that finds its way thought the hills and forests to the company’s plant in Peebles is from a faraway source, said Ian Taylor, a consultant for the company, who has spent more than 25 years selling seat covers to the airlines, most often working with contracted designers or finishing centers for Boeing and Airbus. “Most of what we use is New Zealand wool,” Taylor tells PAX International. “The Scottish wool tends to be coarse, and ends up in carpets.” While the company started out making coverings for furniture, Replin is exclusively a transportation supplier. Its coverings can be found on the Heathrow Express, trains in South Africa and the shuttle between Kuala Lumpur International airport and the city’s downtown. Replin fabrics are found on several British carriers, United Airlines, Skywest and Continental Airlines in the United States and Lan Chile and TAM in South America among others around the world. Wool seat covers require regular maintenance. Dry-cleaning and treatments are needed to keep the product stain free and fresh smelling. Attrition is common as the product becomes too stained or dirty. At this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo, Replin will be bringing a new wool product that Taylor says will show visitors fabric with a new treatment process that coats individual woolen fibers. With the process, Taylor said stain producers like red wine dry to a crust over a short period of time and a product that often needs to be replaced after two years now could stay

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PAX-2012-FebMar-AIX-v012 3/12/12 10:05 AM Page 40

SEATING

in service for five years or more. “With this system the attrition rate will be almost zero,” he said.

A quiet cabin through fabric Armonk, New York-based Tapis Corporation, manufacturers polyurethane based faux leather products Ultraleather™ and TapiSuede™. The company will be bringing a new version of the former product to this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo. “It’s a breathable product and it’s very unique,” said Jason Estes, Sales Manager for Tapis Corp. Recently, the company found that its new faux Ultraleather™ Bolero product has been useful to designers looking to create a quieter airline cabin. Tapis products can be found on more than

pany’s products ideal for areas of the aircraft such as first class cabins, where airlines seek to create a relaxing and soothing atmosphere for high end travelers. The company was showing the sound absorption qualities of its new Bolero at this year’s Business Jet Interiors World Expo in Cannes. “Basically…there’s less mental and physical fatigue due to the noise as well as more privacy for the passengers and crew,” Estes said.

Trimming the weight Leather will remain a competitive product in the seat covering market as long as airlines are interested in giving an image of luxury to their passengers. Companies are also stepping up to remind prospective customers that in

ment it can be 10 times longer.” With the right treatment and manufacturing, leather seating can also boast a lower carbon footprint, according to Scottish Leather manufacturer Andrew Muirhead & Son, Ltd. Last spring, the company announced that Gulf Air had selected its leather covers for its A330 program while its leather product will also be part of the 787 Dreamliner operated by Lan Chile. Further orders have been from Malaysia Airlines for its Boeing program and from Air China. Yarwood Leather has also answered the call with a new “aviation leather” called Yarwood NT. The Material weighs in a 390 grams (13.7 ounces) per square meter. The company says its seat covering is actually an advanced composite “which combines the unparalleled aes-

Boxmark Leather’s X-Air-Light-Weight is approximately 24.7 ounces per square yard

50 airlines around the world. Five of its custom-made products were used on interior of the A380 delivered to Lufthansa in 2010. With a reputation for ease in cleaning and maintenance, Tapis products are part of the interiors on a majority of Embraer jets coming off the production line. When Tapis products were combined with panels of sound absorbing foam made by a company called Pelzer Acoustic Products in Switzerland, the breathable properties of the Bolero brand coverings allowed sound to travel easily into the absorbing foam. Estes said the sound absorbing qualities make the com-

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addition to cache, they are also able to bring lightweight products into the cabin. Boxmark Leather GmbH will be bringing its X-Air-Light-Weight leather to this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo. Weighing in at 700 grams (24.7 ounces) per square meter XAir-Light-Weight is also ready laminated and giving it special stain and liquid resistance. The tough hide also promises long life, said Eduard Kettner of the General Executive Center of Boxmark in Germany. “The lifetime of a high-class leather seat is around five times longer than a fabric seat,” said Kettner. “And with the right stain treat-

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

thetic and performance qualities of leather with the engineerability of a textile product.” Yarwood uses a manufacturing process that makes NT not only fire retardant but also able to be composted at the end of its lifetime. The reinforcing textile combined with the leather is made from recycled drink bottles. “The environmental credentials of the product supports leading airlines commitment to green technologies, whilst hugely reducing cost of ownership through reduced fuel usage,” said a release from Yarwood. “With on single product we have made the industry’s most advanced upholstery material.”

PAX-2012-FebMar-AIX-v012 3/12/12 10:05 AM Page 41

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INDUSTRY Q&A

A singular

INFLIGHT EXPERIENCE Good fortune and hard work have taken Monogram System’s Tom Lee to some very interesting places. PAX International’s Maryann Simson recently caught up with him to discuss the many ways in which aviation has enriched his life By Maryann Simson PAX International: As a boy, what was it about aviation that captured your imagination? Tom Lee: First, I was fortunate to grow up dur-

ing the space race to the moon. I built miniature rockets and dreamed of space travel. Then, in January of 1970, my parents took my family on the inaugural flight of the 747 from New York to London. I became fascinated with aircraft and decided to enter engineering. PAX: Tell me about your career path and how your passion led you to where you are today. Lee: After completing an engineering degree

at Tulane University in New Orleans, I worked for several companies, but eventually was working at an office complex with shared office space. Outside one of these offices was a prototype of a trash compactor for commercial aircraft. I was able to secure the funding to start a new company to develop in-flight trash compactors. This presented one of the most interesting challenges possible, developing a brand new product that had never been on commercial aircraft inside a brand new, start-up company with no experience. We successfully grew that company, which was ultimately acquired by Monogram Sanitation who was in turn acquired by Zodiac Aerospace, where I am today. PAX: You are the only person to have been onboard the inaugural commercial flights of all three of the industry’s landmark commercial airliners, the Boeing 747, the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787. Was that luck? Lee: Certainly there has been a bit of luck

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involved with these inaugural flights. My father was the equivalent of a frequent flyer, although no official airline frequent flyer programs had been established in 1970. As my father most often flew Pan Am, it was serendipitous that they were the first in line to operate the 747’s. My father was invited by Pan Am to take my family on the amazing inaugural 747 flight in January 1970. It was certainly lucky that Singapore Airlines invited me to be their guest on the inaugural A380 flight from Singapore to Sydney in October of 2007. It continued to be my good fortune that All Nippon Airways offered me the opportunity to be on the first 787 flight from Tokyo to Hong Kong in October, 2010, setting the world record for the most inaugural flights on new aircraft types. PAX: Tell us something about each flight that you will never forget. Lee: The most memorable event regarding the

first 747 flight was the flame out in one of the engines during take off. That departure was aborted. Pan Am had to occupy our time while they rolled their back-up 747 out of the hangar and prepared it for this maiden voyage. That second plane, Clipper Victor had only been delivered by Boeing the day before. The flight finally took off about 7 hours later after the initial flight would have landed in London. The A380 was memorable in many ways. I think what impressed me the most was how quiet the interior of the aircraft is during take off, cruise and landing. One can literally sit by a window and have a conversation with someone sitting across the cabin at an opposite window without raising one’s voice. On the 787 inaugural, I also was sitting by a window above the left wing. When the plane took off, I watched the wing rise upward above the top of the fuselage. That gave me the real sense of a composite aircraft where the wings reminded me of a bird taking flight.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

Thomas Lee in his office at Monogram Systems. Photo by Dan Krauss, courtesy The Wall Street Journal

PAX: You have started several aviationrelated companies and been honored with the President’s Award for aviation innovation. How does that feel? Lee: I feel fortunate to have been involved with

start-up companies that have successfully introduced new technologies to the commercial aircraft industry. Winning and accepting the President’s Award for innovation was a lifetime peak experience. It feels terrific. PAX: Please tell us about some of the unique Monogram/Zodiac innovations that were featured on the inaugural flight of the 787. Lee: Monogram Systems designed and manu-

factured the entire waste and water systems for the 787. One of the innovations is the lid down flush technology that lowers the toilet seat and lid prior to the initiation of the flush cycle. This design has two major advantages, including lower noise during the flush process and significantly less water being consumed each flush cycle. Zodiac Aerospace designed and built the Business Class and Economy Class seats for the inaugural ANA 787. Zodiac also developed the primary electrical distribution system as well as the structural frames for the interior and the escape slides for the 787. PAX: What Monogram and Zodiac projects are you currently involved with and how did your past experiences on those historic flights affect your work today? Lee: Currently, I am in a Business Develop-

ment capacity, developing new products that include galley inserts, waste management solutions and IFE systems. Each time I have the opportunity of flying on inaugural flights of brand new airframe types, I am reminded how many innovations are born in each new plane. This inspires me to keep working to find solutions to historic in-flight problems and to help create wholly new technologies with an extraordinary team of innovators at Monogram and Zodiac worldwide.

PAX-2012-FebMar-AIX-v012 3/12/12 10:05 AM Page 43

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HEALTH AND SAFETY

Skinny

THE ON SAFETY PAX International talks passenger safety with two key producers of lap belts and other restraints

AirLite is the new ultra-light lap belt from Scroth safety products

By Maryann Simson

n 1895 a man named Hugh DeHaven was born in Brooklyn, New York. The son of a steelworker and inventor, DeHaven went on to attend both Cornell and Columbia Universities, and in 1916 attempted to join the U.S. Army Air Corps. After being rejected by the Air Corps he moved to Toronto and became a pilot for the Royal Canadian Flying Corps. During World War One, he survived a crash involving another plane, which

Many children’s car seats are made using buckles and straps from AmSafe

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prompted him to study the reason for his survival and to devote his life to improving crash safety in planes and automobiles. Before his death in 1980, DeHaven contributed greatly to the safety of aviation through the establishment of Aviation Safety and Research Facility at Cornell University, the development of a three-point seatbelt, the creation of the inertial reel and the concept of a “delethalized” instrument panel. Some have gone so far as to dub him the “Father of Crash Survivability.” While no one likes to dwell upon worst-case scenarios, accidents do happen and today there are companies like AmSafe Aviation based in the United States, and Scroth Safety Products in Germany who carry on the tradition of helping airlines improve crash survivability. Scroth Safety Products was established in 1947 and for quite some time was actually the only maker

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

of seatbelts in Germany. Up until the early 1990’s, Scroth mainly manufactured aftermarket automobile restraints for high-end applications and luxury vehicles. In the mid 1990’s Airbus came to Scroth requesting that the company help the OEM develop a restraint for 16G crew seats on the new A330 and A340 aircraft. “That was really our first step into the aviation world,” explains Martin Nadol, Head of Programs at Scroth Safety Products. “We have been a partner of Airbus ever since then. We are certified to place our equipment on many or most aircraft types. From there we went onwards, developing other restraint applications for helicopters, the general aviation market and then the military aviation market as well.” In 2006 Scroth was acquired by one of its U.S.-based customers, Armour Holding; a manufacturer of helicopter and commercial aviation seats. Just nine months later, Armour Holding was purchased by BAE Systems: a global defense and security company with more than 100,000 employees worldwide. Throughout these changes, Scroth remained focused on developing the most advanced restraints possible. “Our real success story is our crew restraints. They are one of our first products for aviation and we have now supplied them for the entire Airbus fleet,” says Nadol. “And now in the last 2-3 years we started to look at the passenger belt market because our customers have asked us to bring them some. It’s a different business of course, but we were able to develop a new product called the AirLite, an ultra light passenger lap belt.” C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 4 6

PAX-2012-FebMar-AIX-v012 3/12/12 10:05 AM Page 45

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HEALTH AND SAFETY

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 4 4

AirLite has been on the market for about one year and has already won some prestigious customers like Qantas, airberlin, and AirTransat. While both crew restraints and passenger lap belts meet all industry regulations and are selling well for Scroth, Nadol stresses the importance of using them correctly for optimal safety. He also feels that small children and babies are often at risk in the cabin due to insufficient use of proper child-restraint solutions. “What happens, of course, is that many people do not adjust their seatbelts properly. They don’t pull them very tight for comfort reasons. This means that the restraint system cannot perform as intended and will not provide the appropriate level of protection in the event of a crash,” he tells PAX International, also voicing his concern for babies in the cabin. “There is a loop belt currently in use in certain regions that attaches the baby to the mother or father’s lap belt. I think there is some benefit in turbulence for example, but in a crash it doesn’t help at

all and could even be more dangerous. The best solution is that people start buying a separate seat for children and put a proper child seat or restraint on that seat.” With innovations under its “belt” like the world’s first aviation seatbelt airbag, AmSafe is big player in the restraints industry. They too offer solutions other several applications outside of their core business of proving light and effective passenger, crew and cargo restraints for commercial aviation. Many children’s car seats, in fact, are made using buckles and harnesses from the company. “Our seatbelts, restraints and cabin interiors products can be found on virtually every commercial aircraft worldwide,” says Carlotta Soares, Director, Corporate Com-

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munications at AmSafe. “Below deck, we manufacture cargo, airframe and barrier nets, along with thermal and fire protection system that improves the safe transportation of cargo. You will also find AmSafe products being used in on-road and offroad utility vehicles.” According to Soares, AmSafe’s original lap belt and a 2001 invention, the Seatbelt Airbag, are two of the best sellers for commercial aviation. Last year, AmSafe unveiled upgrades to both designs. The new Seatbelt Airbag has a sleeker appearance, less weight and has been optimized to support easy retrofitting and diagnostics. The traditional lap belt from AmSafe was also re-engineered using high-performance materials and techniques to significantly reduce weight. Allegiant Air was the first carrier to order AmSafe’s 25% lighter Lightweight Passenger Seatbelt in April of 2011. The regional carrier opted to equip its MD-80 aircraft with the belts to compliment its lightAllegiant Air was the first carrier to order Amsafe’s 25% lighter Lightweight Passenger Seatbelt in April of 2011

weight seating. “As carriers once again face the challenge of extremely high fuel costs, they continue to look for innovative ways to reduce cabin weight,” said Herb Mardany, Senior Vice President of AmSafe Industries in a recent release. “Out lightweight seatbelt, which retains the iconic teardrop buckle design familiar to passengers around the world, is an important component of any weight-reduction plan geared towards fuel efficiency.” In addition to improving its passenger cabin offerings, AmSafe has also been hard at work engineering better restraints and fire containment products for cargo airplanes. The AmSafe fire containment cover operates as a passive system, which keeps a fire isolated from other cargo being transported on an aircraft. Designed for palletized loads, the cover is composed of a patented fire retardant fabric with a detachable QuickZip pallet net. It can contain a fire with temperatures of up to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

Franke Aquarotter soon to launch new website for Mobile Sanitary Systems Franke Aquarotter, a leading German specialist for sanitary system solutions, has announced plans to launch a new website, slated to go online at the end of February, 2012. The website will contain detailed information about the complete range of products available and will virtually showcase products to all market participants. Technical data sheets and CMMs on request, contact addresses of the headquarters and the worldwide representative’s partners will also be available online.

EAM Worldwide celebrates banner year EAM Worldwide has branded 2011 a successful year thanks to new product innovation, expansion and certification in the aviation industry. The company was awarded an exclusive patent for its floatation assembly and application of RFID technology in a life vest. In addition, the company received the prestigious certifications for excellence in process management including ISO 9001:2008 certification for general recognition and AS9100:C for distinction in the aerospace industry. Also, EAM officially launched the new, competitively priced EAM-T56 life raft, which is the largestcapacity raft that EAM has manufactured to-date. EAM will present live demonstrations in Hall B7 Booth 7D60 of Tag the Craft™, the innovative, scalable solution that allows clients to specifically choose which assets to tag and track in the aircraft interior. Celebrating almost 60 successful years in business, EAM is headquartered in Miami, Florida, and has a newly expanded global sales office in Dubai.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY

Lufthansa Technik develops Aerokid Expecting a change in regulations in the near future, Lufthansa Technik has developed Aerokid, the first passenger seat to offer seating comfort and safety for passengers of all ages. The integrated seating system can be quickly configured for babies and infants up to two years or as a child seat. According to Lufthansa Technik, many of the dedicated child seats used in the past were initially designed for cars and are therefore not compatible with commercial aircraft seats. The other current alternative – a lap belt for each infant, which is connected to the adult’s seatbelt – likewise provides restricted safety only. Aerokid, says the company, is a seating system that eliminates all disadvantages of the compromised solutions from the past. The system is an integrated part of the manufactured seat, so no carry-on equipment is required.

The seating system offers three different modes. In the cradle-mode the seat offers a semi-reclining position for babies and infants up to the age of two years. This mode can also be switched into a full-flat position, optimal for sleeping. A fold-out canopy offers additional protection. For children over two, the seat depth and foot rests and armrests. A detachable shoulder harness offers maximum safety and both seat versions can be quickly configured without any tools. Despite its advanced design, As of print time, Aerokid is not yet a finalized product available to airlines. Until the international aviation authorities can find a common approach regarding on-board safety rules for children, the project remains on “hold” by the Lufthansa Technik Innovation Center.

IWG acquires waterheaters, urges airlines to purify water International Waterguard (IWG) is a Vancouver-based manufacturer of compact water purification systems found onboard many of the world’s business and VIP jets. Through advanced technology, the IWG family The A6 is IWG’s newest model of selfof water purifiers are able monitoring aviation water purifier to remove nearly 100% of contaminants from an aircraft’s water supply. In July 2011, IWG announced an agreement in which it would acquire the Aviation Water Heater product line of Keltech, Inc. of Delton, Michigan, to round out its water treatment offing. “Our customers are the major air framers in the corporate aviation industry. We do a lot of water systems in VIP completions and quite often are called in when commercial aircraft are purchased and transformed to VIP or corporate applications,” says David Fox, President of International Waterguard. “All of the major completions worldwide tend to work with us and use our equipment.” Despite a brand new self-monitoring water purifier (the A6) soon to be ready for flight and long-time success in the private aviation world, IWG has yet to see any adoption by commercial carriers. “In the eyes of the regulators, all the water on the airplane has to be potable. A commercial airplane carries enough passengers for it to be considered a ‘small community’ water system,” Fox reveals. “Any small community should meet public health and safety standards and that means available potable water everywhere. So actually when you see that little sign in the washroom saying don’t drink the water, this is not what the regulators would want. Even if all disinfecting requirements are followed in sourcing and delivery, there is nothing on commercial airliners actively ensuring the quality of the water once it is onboard.”

Aerokid is a seating system that eliminates all disadvantages of the compromised solutions from the past

Celeste launches color-coded hygiene program Celeste Industries has recently introduced a new color-coded hygiene program, which aims to help create the best environment possible for passengers and crewmembers in a high traffic aircraft environment. Celeste’s high performance products use targeted technology to meet the specific cleaning and odor control demands of the industry today. The new color-coded program offers the necessary products, as well as the methods and tools, needed to clean, disinfect and deodorize in three easy steps.

Celeste’s new hygiene program will clean, disinfect and deodorize in three easy steps

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PAX-2012-FebMar-AIX-v012 3/12/12 10:06 AM Page 48

EQUIPMENT

EQUIPPED

FOR

takeoff

PAX International investigates just what kinds of specialized equipment come into play when food takes flight By Maryann Simson

hile they vary of course by region, size and method of food preparation, most catering kitchens have the same kinds of heavy equipment to make the enormous task of feeding thousands of passengers daily possible. But the trip from the catering unit is only the beginning. Once on the move, the edible cargo makes its way through a maze of automated and vital systems. One misstep along the way can stop the hours of preparation and planning dead in its tracks. PAX International followed the process with several companies whose equipment helps make sure that never happens. Companies like Elro Werke in Switzerland manufacture much of the equipment found within the airline-catering kitchen. With a complete range of full size appliances, work surfaces, drawer units, extractor hoods and smaller items such as pans, kettles and steamers used in the mass manufacturing of inflight meals, Elro Werke is an industry leader.

The packaging After food is cooked, using equipment from Elro or one if its competitors like Hobart Traulsen in Germany or PKL Group in the United Kingdom, it is time to place that meal in a vessel that it will likely stay in until it reaches the tray table of a hungry passenger. Many different materials have been used for airline food packaging over the decades, but one that is becoming more and more popular, according to Klaus Englisch, Managing Director at D|F Marketing GmbH, is C-PET. “D|F is a supplier to a number of international airlines and other customers for customized C-Pet dishes and the respective heatable sealing foil,” says Englisch. “These high barrier films can be either transparent, with or without antifog, or printed individually to our customers’ needs.” D|F Marketing GmbH is a business with

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C-PET can sustain temperatures ranging from -40° to plus 240° without losing its integrity

“Additionally, C-PET can be fully sealed, giving the passenger the assurance that the meal is safe. As prices for aluminum continue to increase and people note it’s incredibly eco unfriendly production process; C-PET is becoming more popular and a real alternative.” The inherent resilience to heat and cold is another perk for those airlines choosing C-PET over aluminum and other packaging options. The material can sustain temperatures ranging from -40° to plus 240° without losing its integrity. This means that flash freezing is no problem for meals in these containers, and they will also not warp or melt in the heat of the special ovens onboard.

The trolley

two focuses, one is creating customer food solutions for airlines on flights departing Europe, and the other is supplying packaging solutions for both inflight and retail applications. “Presenting a hot meal in C-PET gives a fresh and innovative appearance as CPET does not bend like aluminum foil does,” Englisch says.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

Many times has PAX International featured coverage of the airline trolley. This versatile piece of equipment is essential to airline catering and onboard service. The airline trolley performs several important jobs as part of the long chain of equipment that food must interact with on its way to the cabin.

Trolley insulation is critical to maintaining the safe cold temperature of both fresh and frozen food items en route to the passenger

PAX-2012-FebMar-AIX-v012 3/12/12 10:06 AM Page 49

EQUIPMENT

Most hot airline meals, particularly for economy class service, leave the catering kitchen frozen when they are loaded onto trolleys for their journey to the tarmac and eventually the aircraft. “Meals are prepared in a climate controlled environment,” says Patrick Phillips, Director of Business Development for Norduyn, a Canadian producer of airline catering equipment including the world’s lightest certified trolley, the Quantum. “The trolleys that have been previously washed and cleaned are loaded up with meals to be served on an upcoming flight and then placed in a refrigerator until they are ready to be moved to the designated aircraft at the gate.” Trolley insulation, says Phillips, is critical to maintaining the safe cold temperature of both fresh and frozen food items en route to the passenger. Not all catering trucks are refrigerated, and the same goes for some galleys onboard. This means that airlines and caterers often rely on the insulation of the trolley to keep contents within an acceptable temperature range. “Even when galleys are refrigerated, the trolleys must offer decent insulation properties as it can take a while before the galleys are running to their optimal temperatures following the aircraft’s power is turned on,” says Phillips, “Switching to a concept made entirely of composites like Norduyn’s trolley, brings with it many new advantages. They are lighter for onboard personnel to push around, we can work much more with the shapes to improve ergonomics, insulation properties are optimized and we can ensure a product that will remain aesthetically pleasing in the cabin for a longer time than traditional aluminum.”

The ice Good insulation is one thing that keeps airline meals cool before it’s time to eat, but in some cases that is just not enough. Many trolleys are equipped with a tray for holding dry ice to keep contents cool or frozen. In a traditional scenario, an airline caterer using dry ice as part of Two Mallaghan standard six meter lift trucks service a aircraft in Addis Ababa

its cold chain operations will order in advance from a dry ice supplier. However, ordering the right amount so as not to have waste, or run out, is often a challenge. After receiving an order from a caterer, the dry ice supplier will then make, cut and ship the ice in insulated containers. But because dry ice sublimates at a rate of 510% a day, even when refrigerated, a considerable amount can be gone before it even reaches the catering facility. “Fortunately, for organizations where dry ice is an integral part of the cold chain, technology has made it possible to produce high-quality, freshly made dry ice on site,” says Wim Eeckelaers, Dry Ice Manufacturing Systems Senior Vice President for Cold Jet, a privately held world leader in dry ice blasting and dry ice production technology. “Just-in-time manufacturing eliminates the middleman and changes how a company receives and uses dry ice.” An on-site cold chain system, says Eeckelaers, can help reduce waste, improve quality of dry ice through elimination of transport and ensure supply when there is demand. Recently, LSG Sky Chefs Belgium NV- Zaventem said that having a dry-ice machine on premise helped them achieve annual cost savings of 20% through waste reductions alone. LSG Sky Chefs Belgium saved an additional 5% in the cost per pound of dry ice and improved operational efficiency. Several models of dry ice production systems from Cold Jet are well suited to an airline-catering environment. The PR750 Reformer, for example, is designed to meet mutli-form dry ice demands by producing slices, pellets and nuggets. The smallest of its series, the PR750 is capable of producing

The smallest of its series, the PR750 is capable of producing up to 300 slices of dry ice per hour, or 600 pounds (273 kilograms) of pellets or nuggets in the same time span

up to 300 slices of dry ice per hour, or 600 pounds (273 kilograms) of pellets or nuggets in the same time span.

The truck The catering truck is an irreplaceable link in the airline catering chain. By far the largest piece of equipment in the catering process, its importance and proper operation cannot be understated. Mallaghan, headquartered in Dungannon, Ireland, has produced passenger stairs, medical lifts, toilet/water service units, maintenance platform and of course, catering trucks, exclusively since 1990. PAX International recently caught up with Owen McKenna, Sales Director at Mallaghan, who talked about what is new at his company. He revealed that customization is king in his business, with every order being different from the last. While the six meter lift is the most commonly used (works well with widebody and larger single-aisle aircraft), Mallaghan also produces options at the four meter height bracket and is a leading supplier of A380 capable lifts as that aircraft type become more prevalent for major long-haul routes. Mallaghan works with several automotive leaders to offer a range of chassis types and container sizes can also vary by several feet. “Everything is designed to the customer’s specifications,” says McKenna. “Some trucks have a six meter body and others could have one that is eight. Of course, the longer the body, the heavier the truck, so an extra-long

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EQUIPMENT

appropriate for a high-end kitchen space, providing an exceptional onboard experience.”

B/E has made a major investment over the last several years in its new Essence Inserts Collection

The box that challenged the insert

body could actually reduce payload rather than increasing it. When it comes to refrigeration units, it’s the same. A number of things dictate what type of cooling unit is required, like outside temperature. In places like the Middle and Far East, outside temperatures can reach 40°-50° Centigrade so they will tend to go for a large or very strong cooling unit to ensure an unbroken cold chain. In the UK and other cooler places, some don’t put a refrigeration unit in at all.” Recently, in a bid to further expand its global reach, Mallaghan opened its first assembly plant in the United States. Louisville, Kentucky is now home to Mallaghan INC, where truck parts made in Ireland are assembled on North American-made chassis. At press time, the U.S. location was near completion of its first custom-made hi-lift catering truck on a chassis from International Trucks and destined for use, at an undisclosed location, by LSG Sky Chefs.

The insert Assuming all goes well in the first steps of the catering process, an aircraft takes to the sky stocked with food and beverage that is often still a step or two away from being ready to serve. This is where products from B/E Aerospace come into play. “Even before push back B/E galley inserts would be hard at work,” reveals Dede Potter, Director of Corporate Marketing at B/E Aerospace. “From heating towels for that special touch before meal service, to chilling champagne and wine for a relaxing pre-takeoff drink, to brewing a hot and delicious cup of coffee.” Each galley insert onboard an aircraft helps flight crew deliver a superior passenger experience and has been carefully engineered. A galley completely outfitted with B/E equipment would boast a steam oven, convection oven, bun warmer, refrigerator, freezer, wine chiller, multi-function chiller, beverage maker,

PAX INTERNATIONAL

espresso maker and water heater. Lesser-used accessory products are also available. “B/E has a long, rich heritage of developing and delivering galley inserts, which dates back more than 100 years with Royal Inventum - the oven company that B/E purchased in 1993,” Potter says. “B/E has made a major investment over the last several years in our new Essence Inserts Collection. The new product is targeted for the A350, but will be available on all advanced airframe platforms going forward.” Recently launched at the third annual Aircraft Interiors Middle East, B/E hopes the Essence Collection will impress airlines with intuitive features, reduced weight, superior reliability (MTBF) and power improvements. The bun warmer, for instance, heats in half the time (five minutes) of the industry standard (10 minutes). The pull-down time of the Essence line’s beverage chiller has been reduced from 42 to 40 minutes and the beverage maker brew cycle time reduces waiting from three minutes to two minutes, forty-five seconds. “The intuitive features and technology enhancements make the entire collection easy to use,” says Potter. “A keen focus on aesthetics and human factors development was a key objective and has created a modern look more

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

The A-LogEqu family of equipment

According to Christine Walter, Head of Marketing and Sales at B&W Engineering, many airlines today are beginning to see that it is possible to cater a flight with hot, warm, ambient or cold food and beverage without having galley inserts onboard at all. The ALogEqu container was launched several years ago by the German engineering firm and has since been impressed countless delegates with its insulation properties at many industry conventions and exhibitions. “We offer two product ranges,” explains Walter. “Inside the Magic-Boxes, hot stays hot, and cold stays cold. The Cold-Boxes support the storage of chilled and frozen food and beverages according to HACCP standards. Both kinds of boxes can be stored in trolleys and carriers and both are equally compatible with ATLAS and KSSU.” Goods can be stored in an A-LogEqu container at as low as -90°C all the way up to +120°C, with extreme temperatures maintained for two hours or more, and more moderate temperatures held for more than 20 hours. Since the food or drink is placed into the container already at its ideal service temperature, there is no need for heating or cooling once the catering arrives onboard. The work has already been done on the ground, thus saving time and energy. Also, says Walter, equipment failure is virtually impossible. “The A-LogEqu containers are the world’s best passive system,” she says. “Of course our insulated boxes are a competition to electrical galley inserts, but we believe they are an investment in the future, not just a workaround solution.”

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> Specialists in VIP conversions

Visit us at

> Full service design for any aircraft > Maintenance and support > Extensive in-house manufacturing capability

+49 8153 88111 2512 www.328support.de

Stand 6G58

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COMPANY PROFILE

Due South Volare Engineering, a growing firm in city of Mexicali, Baja California, positions itself to challenge international competitors and change the way that the industry looks at doing business south of the U.S. border By Maryann Simson he city of Mexicali is considered to be one of the most prosperous in all of Mexico. Like Tijuana, (another well known site of industry in the Latin nation), it lies beside the United States border, within the northwestern state of Baja California. Further east along the border than Tijuana, Mexicali is in close proximity to southern California as well as Arizona. Once an economy reliant on cotton production for export, the city of Mexicali now boasts hundreds of in-bond and assembly plants, dozens of which serve the high mix/low volume aerospace industry. Overall, the relatively small state of Baja California has more than 50 aerospace and defence companies, making up 35% of such companies in all of Mexico. A cluster strategy promoted by the Mexican government and private sector continues to attract more businesses to the area. “Mexicali is a very competitive market in a border region with the United States and home to companies such as Honeywell International, Goodrich Aerospace, Gulfstream Aerospace and Rockwell Collins, among others,” explains Roberto Corral, Director of Sales and Marketing at Volare Engineering, a Mexicali-based provider of consultancy, design and engineering services to the aerospace sector. “It is a developed state capital with a population of one

PAX INTERNATIONAL

million and has five universities that deliver quality graduate engineers every semester.” Volare Engineering started off as a small project spearheaded by three former employees of Driessen Aircraft Interiors Systems. In 2002, Sergio Segura, Edgar Paz and the late Oscar Jimenez set up their new company with a pool of 11 experienced engineers. Their objective was to show the world of aviation that it was indeed possible to reduce lead times, weight and costs associated with cabin product engineering from Mexico. Today, Volare Engineering is an ISO 9000:2008 certified company, with 15 employees and an additional pool of 20 engineers. They have a client list that includes projects completed for customers such as Zodiac Aerospace Group (USA and Europe), Bombardier Transportation, Aviacsa Airlines, Viva Aerobus, Aeromexico, Rockwell Collins and Norduyn in Canada. Each of these projects has been in relation to Volare’s core offering of aircraft interiors and equipment design. The firm will happily tackle any monument found in the passenger cabin be it a partitions, bulkheads, stowages, equipment racks, doghouses, or even trolleys and other insert-type

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

items. An AS9100 certification is also expected to come through by the middle of the second quarter 2012, which will guarantee additional compliance more specific to the aerospace and defence industry. “Our core engineering staff has worked extensively with Boeing, Airbus, McDonnell Douglas and Fokker aircrafts, developing dry and wet units. We support manufacturing integration and installations through liaison engineering and technical publications such as CMM/IPL, on site technical support and service bulletins,” says Corral, adding that since 2010 all of Volare’s processes have been measured carefully. “We have driven significant and continuous improvement efforts and achieved significant reductions in incidences of rework and creation of waste. Lead times have been kept lean and in terms of weight, we have been able to make materials recommendations that have offered significant reductions.” Although Volare Engineering does not actually manufacture the products that it designs and certifies, the Baja California Aerospace Cluster initiative has lead to the establishment of numerous firms in the area with the capacity to do so at a low cost. Volare has close relationships with many of them. “One of Baja’s Aerospace Cluster objectives is to increase the number of aerospace certified companies in the region with international standards qualifications, as regards matters of global competitiveness,” says the organization’s official web page. Currently the sector employs more than 6500 operators and technicians and projects a 2012 growth of 10-15% based on the expansion of successful companies like Volare Engineering already located in the region, the attraction of new interests and by helping all these companies coordinate efforts to access resources that will increase productivity.

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ISO

9001:200

sales@volare-eng.com Mexico 52.686.567.4998 US/Canada 1.760.802.1327

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VIP INTERIORS

Fit for a VIP Luxury for a volume market can be found in many places at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo, but one British company still creates elegant interiors one client at a time By Rick Lundstrom

A project mockup by Bell Bespoke Interiors

he area of Nottinghamshire in the United Kingdom is noted for its fine domestic furniture making for the home market, but in the 1980s, one company received a request of a royal order that would have been difficult to pass up. At that time, Jeff Bell and Phil Maloney were working for a domestic furniture company in Nottingham that was called to supply part of the interior for a British Aerospace BAe 146 jet, which was part The Queens Flight that transported members of the Royal Family. The work proved successful, but the furniture company decided to drop out of the VIP aircraft interiors market. However Jeff Bell did not, and Maloney later joined him in the early 1990s to help form what was to become Bell Bespoke Interiors Ltd. It has been more than 20 years since the relationship was first formed, and Maloney says they are still hopeful of again getting an interior furnishing contract for The Queens Flight. With 20 additional years in VIP interiors experience under their belt, and one of the few bespoke service companies left in the

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VIP interiors business in the United Kingdom, it would seem like a natural fit. Despite the company’s obvious abilities, it is headquartered in a nation struggling, like many, with an economic downturn, and a segment of the public casting a jaundiced

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

The Bell Bespoke Interiors stand at AIX, Hamburg

eye on extravagant behavior of people in high places. Until another chance for the Queens Flight again comes their way, the company continues to find business from those needing to fill an enclosed space with hardwood trims, fine veneers and luxurious marble; and it does not matter whether that interior flies, floats or rolls on rubber tires. “We have to be like that to survive,” said Maloney. “Because we do find in all these industries there are peaks and troughs and there seems to be no way of leveling out the peaks without multi-disciplines and multi-markets.” One of the markets is VIP and VVIP aircraft interiors. The company brings some examples of its elegant work in the sector to the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. What Bell Bespoke Interiors has been selling lately in the aircraft sector is its refurbishment capabilities that are very much steeped in the tradition of craftsmanship and the ability to quickly turn around projects and handle small jobs. The company relies on subcontractors for several tasks, including gold plating and leather trimming. It maintains a regular staff of eight professionals, and calls in others as need be.

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VIP INTERIORS

The crew of the company goes to work when the new owner of an aircraft wants to change interior or give the business jet a new, fresher look before putting it up for sale. Much of the Bell Bespoke Interiors business is with United Kingdom or European owners. The company is also getting business from the Middle East when an aircraft is flown in for extended maintenance on the airframe or engines. Increasingly, Maloney says the company has been seeing Russian-owned aircraft in for refurbishment. In addition to a growing group of customers from the CIS, Maloney has been seeing other trends in the business. In recent years, he said he has seen a fall off in the company’s business in the fractional ownership market. Aircraft, that are normally the workhorses of a company’s fleet routinely suffer bumps, knocks and general casualty damage that the company can turn around quickly to have them back in service. “That sort of work can keep you going quite nicely,” Maloney said. “And what we are seeing is that go very, very quiet. So, to me, it seems that they are either not using the aircraft as much or making them work harder and longer before they actually look at any repair schemes.” In his interactions with designers in the boating industry, Maloney says that he has seen a number take an interest in the VIP business jet market. Bell Bespoke Interiors does a limited amount of business in yachts, generally adding custom pieces of furniture and various other products short of a full refurbishment. The company’s interior wood veneer and hardwood trim work can also be found in limited edition runs of luxury automobiles. “Middle Eastern customers will buy a vehicle, but it will not be standard,” said Maloney. “The whole vehicle can be bespoke.” The company’s turnover is approximately £500,000 (US$795,000) per year. “It is quite close to a cottage industry in some ways,” said Maloney. “Caring, flexible and reactive.” With abilities as craftsmen, the company has less need for automation and computeraided equipment used in volume production. Companies with similar abilities as Bell, have gone by the wayside or been swallowed up by larger firms in recent years. But Maloney said there appears to be little need to change what potential customers seek in Bell Bespoke Interiors. “It is really the ethos of the owner of the company,” he said. “We are not going to grow and lose our personality and lose our personal touch.”

German firm brings 328 conversion capabilities to AIX

Modifications at the 328 Support Services facility in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany

December of last year marked the 20th year since Dornier 328 jet made its maiden flight in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. Though the production line is down, a company exhibiting at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg is writing a second chapter for the regional aircraft, as a business jet. The company, 328 Support Services GmbH, located near Munich, is exhibiting for the second year at the AIX. The firm has been making the rounds at events around the world, showing its capabilities as a completion center for its 328DBJ program that converts the aircraft into a VIP configuration. Approximately 200 of the aircraft were made during its production run, and 160 to 170 are still flying, said Kim Fuller, Sales Support Manager for the company. The aircraft, famous for the short takeoff and landing capabilities has been popular for airlines operating in hot climates. According to the company, the Dornier 328 is in service with 57 operators in 28 countries. Many of the aircraft available on the market are low timed can be easily modified to look like new. According to the company, a 328 is available for purchase at a price between US$3 million and US$6 million, and can be refurbished at a cost of between US$4 million and US$6 million depending on customer requirements. For the company’s 328DBJ modifications, Fuller said workers close off one of the aircraft’s emergency exits, which is not needed in a business jet configuration. A forward galley is modified for more efficient use. Once completed, the stretched interior can accommodate a lounge and conference area. The modified cabin on the 328 is 10 meters long, 2.5 meters wide and 1.8 meters high. The company has been touring a version of the aircraft outfitted with a business interior and 32-inch monitor that deploys from a credenza. The entertainment system can hold films and Playstation games and can also be outfitted with a wireless Internet/phone system. The company has had some successful conversions of the aircraft and is in now shopping around for new hangar space to accommodate the 328 and larger jets. Continued success of the venture could be achieved, said the company, with the help aircraft operators, suppliers and industrial partners.

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PAX INTERNATIONAL

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WHAT’S HOT! AT AIRCRAFT INTERIORS

WHAT’S

High-Definition monitor

HOT!

Company Name: PGA Avionics Company Location: Montierchaume, France Description: PGA is introducing an all new 64”full HD monitor - the largest display available on the avionic market. The motion interpolation rate at 100 Hz and the full HD resolution allows passengers to enjoy all high-definition content with the highest fluidity. The monitor is available in a variety of different sizes (from 10”4HD to 64”Full HD). Visit PGA at AIX: Stand #6B56

Noise cancellation headphones Company Name: AVID Airline Products Company Location: Middletown, Rhode Island Description: AVID Airline Products presents a sleek new line of premium noise cancellation headsets. Perfect for in-flight entertainment, the NC-2012 has numerous features, including a mute audio button, volume control, and the delivery of crisp sound. The headphones also have a comfort fit headband and plush leatherette ear pads. Visit AVID at WTCE: Stand #4B02

Wireless IFEC solution Company Name: Panasonic Avionics Corp. Company Location: Lake Forest, CA Description: Panasonic’s new eXW wireless IFEC solution lets passenger’s access onboard movies, music, news, in-cabin services, and more using an airline branded portal paired with any Wi-Fi-enabled personal device. eXW is capable of storing a massive library of full-length multi-language movies, audio CDs; electronic newspapers, digital magazines, and more. When combined with Panasonic’s eXConnect, eXW offers broadband-enhanced applications such as high speed Internet access, social media services, email, and even live television content. Visit Panasonic Avionics at AIX: Stand #6F15

New generation of galley inserts Company Name: Sell – Zodiac Aerospace Company Location: Herborn, Germany Description: Sell introduces a new Generation of Inserts with a full product range, including an oven, coffee maker, beverage maker, water boiler and bun warmer. Combining form and function, the new product line will deliver an attractive and elegant outer appearance. A clear focus has also been given to weight reduction, which naturally leads to savings in fuel costs for operators. Visit Sell – Zodiac Aerospace at AIX: Stand #7D50

PAX INTERNATIONAL

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

Castor Alignment System Company Name: Onboard Logistics Company Location: Dunshaughlin,Co. Meath, Ireland Description: Onboard Logistics presents their all new Castor Alignment System on Korita carts. The revolutionary system allows operator and crew members to maneuver trolleys with ease. The system is also carefully designed, to avoid back strain injury to the operator or seat damage. Visit Onboard Logistics at WTCE: Stand #3C25

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WHAT’S HOT! AT AIRCRAFT INTERIORS Innovative tablet holder Company Name: Asian Pioneer Company Location: Madrid, Yiwu City, Zhuhai, Azuchi-Machi Description: Asian Pioneer introduces a new user friendly tablet holder, suitable for a wide range of external devices. Offering a two-in-one solution for passengers, the holder is strong, durable and made of durable leather material. Complete with a unique design, this is perfect for any multitasking passenger looking to enjoy entertainment while on board. Visit Asian Pioneer at WTCE: Stand #2B35

Ultra-lightweight life vest stowage Company Name: Servecorp Ltd. Company Location: West Sussex, UK Description: Servecorp now offers a new range of lightweight and secure Servestow Life Vest Stowage’s. The LVS99 is practical and uniquely designed, with a ‘sealable’ front closure. This stowage also offers a significant weight reduction across a fleet of aircraft - each pouch can typically save a minimum of 50 grams per seat. Visit Servecorp at AIX: STAND# 7G15

TopSeries AVANT system Brand awareness across the cabin Company Name: Aviation Business Consultants International Company Location: Naples, Italy Description: ABC International presents Decorative Crests, a new product which allows operators to show their corporate brand logo throughout the cabin. Made of lightweight materials to replicate any type of company logo, the crests can be installed on partitions, bulkheads, galleys or lavatories. They are also available in several different designs, styles, shapes and finishing’s.

Convenient equipment Company Name: Zodiac Aerospace Company Location: Hamburg, Germany Description: Driessen-Zodiac Aerospace introduces a new line of Hybrite containers and foldable trolleys. The Hybrite container is a stylish ‘design container’ for mobile storage of food, beverages and condiments in the galleys and on-board catering. A 10% weight reduction makes the container the lightest in the industry (2,6 kg). The Hybrite container offers improved stackability and even more crew appreciation. Visit Zodiac Aerospace at AIX: Stand #7D50.

Company Name: Thales Company Location: Neuilly-sur-Seine, France Description: Thales presents the award winning TopSeries AVANT system, a new seat innovation designed around passenger comfort and the entire flying experience. The system’s acclaimed Touch Passenger Media Unit offers the latest multi-task functionality and also provides wireless streaming media to a wide range of passenger devices. Visit Thales at AIX: Stand #6B20

Monogram Systems Symphony Suite Company Name: Monogram Systems Company Location: California Description: Monogram Systems, a division of Zodiac Aerospace, introduces the all-new Symphony suite of in-flight galley equipment. All components of the suite work in perfect harmony to create an integrated foodservice system. The suite includes a steam and convection oven, microwave oven, beverage chiller, coffeemaker, water heater and trash compactor. Each one is designed for fluid motion and optimum efficiency. Visit Monogram Systems at AIX: Stand # 7D50

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PAX INTERNATIONAL

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

Exhibitors fill annual TV Market event Plans for the 2012 TV Market, conducted yearly by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), were firming up in February when the group reported that stand space had sold out. APEX holds the event each year for distributors of short-subject and television programming shown inflight. The event will be held over three days April 16-18 in Brighton, England. “Many airlines now use this event as the central focus for their annual TV products planning,” said a release from APEX in early February. This year, the exhibits and education sessions will be located in the historical Brighton Dome. The Dome is part of the Royal Pavilion Estate. The three-day event will be sponsored in part by Panasonic. Most of the two days are taken up with distributor and airline appointments. The popular TV quiz and networking event will be held Tuesday evening, April 17 at the Palm Court in Brighton Pier. In addition to meeting time there will also be a number of educational events at this year’s TV markets. In February, APEX had scheduled the following sessions: Actual Customer Behavior; International TV Distribution Update; Graphic User Interface Design; TV on Demand; TV Ratings and Real Life; Brand Profile, Indigenous Production and In-flight Entertainment; Value in Choice; Second Screens; Early Window Content; Music Rights and TV Programming. Interested parties with questions on the event can contact Kirsten Arthur at +1-678-303- 3052 or karthur@kellencompany.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS Cruise Shipping Miami, March 12-15, Miami Beach Convention Center. For more information info@cruiseshippingmiami.com. Or call 609-759-4700. Aircraft Interiors Expo, and World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo, March 27-29, Hamburg. For more information, call 44 (0) 208 910 7126 or e-mail michele.footitt@reedexpo.co.uk. Marine Hotel Association Conference & Trade Show, April 15-17, Peabody Hotel, Orlando. For more information, contact the association at (415) 332-1903. Airline Passenger Experience Association TV Market Conference, April 16-18, Brighton, England. For more information, contact APEX at (212) 297-2177, Fax: +1 (212) 370-9047, info@apex.aero cruise3sixty, April 26-30, Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For more information, contact Tim Chau, registration coordinator (949) 457-1545, extension 122 or tchau@mjpa.com IFSA Asia/Pacific Conference, June 12-14, Incheon, South Korea For more information, contact IFSA at (404) 252-3663, e-mail ifsa@kellencompany.com Ancillary Revenue World, Europe, June 26-28, London. For more information, contact Terrapinn Lt.d, at 44 (0) 20 7092 1000 or e-mail enquiry.uk@terrapinn.com IFSA Annual Conference and Exhibition, September 18-20, Long Beach Convention Center. For more information, contact IFSA at (404) 252-3663, e-mail ifsa@kellencompany.com Airline Passenger Experience Association 2012 Annual Expo, September 17-20, Long Beach Convention Center. For more information, contact APEX at (212) 297-2177, info@apex.aero Aircraft Interiors Expo, Americas, September 25-27, Seattle. For more information, call 203 840-5680 or e-mail aircraftinteriorsus@reedexpo.com

ADVERTISER’S 328 Support Services......................................51 ARINC .............................................................23 Aviation Business Consultants International..............................................24, 27 Bose Corp .......................................................15 DigEcor...........................................................25 Driessen – Zodiac Aerospace ..........................59 Global Inflight Products ...................................13 58

PAX INTERNATIONAL

INDEX

Gogo...............................................................60 Marine Hotel Association.................................33 Norduyn............................................................2 Onboard Logistics ...........................................11 Panasonic Avionics Corp ...................................9 PAX International.........................................3, 45 Reed Exhibitions .............................................43

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012

Rockwell Collins................................................5 Sell – Zodiac Aerospace..................................35 SkyMax Company ...........................................21 The IMS Company...........................................20 Thales.............................................................41 Volare Group ...................................................53 Monogram Systems, Inc – Zodiac Aerospace ..31

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DRIESSEN CABIN INTERIORS Galleys & Equipment

PAX-2012-FebMar-AIX-v012 3/12/12 10:10 AM Page 60

VISION

INTERN E

MESSAGI

PLATFOR

FAST BECOMING THE WORLD’S FAVORITE PART OF FLYING.

READ ALL ABOUT IT ON PAGE 26.