Equipment and Furnishings - ATA 25
(Self Study)
Year 2022 /2023
CONTENTS
1. Overview on equipment and furnishing items and arrangements.
1.1 Flight Compartment
Door/bulkhead construction
Seats
Amenities
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items
- Seats (First class, business class, premium, and economy)
- Cabin Attendant seats.
- Lining and Furnishings / Overhead stowage.
- Passenger Service Chanel.
- Curtains / partitions / Class dividers.
- Ancillary equipment.
- Floor Covering.
- Buffet and Galleys
- Galley equipment.
- Lavatories.
- Lavatory equipment.
- Evolution in lavatories.
CONTENTS
Cabin arrangement
Lay Out of Passenger Accommodation (LOPA)
Parameters used for cabin definitions
Regulations used for cabin definitions
Arrangement of cabin items
1.3 Cargo compartment
- Cargo Compartment Constructions and certification.
- Cargo Loading Systems
- Cargo Lining and furnishings
- Cargo containers
2. Aircraft Cabin Definition based on Airline Business models.
2.1 Supplier Furnishing Equipment
2.2 Buyer Furnishing Equipment
2.3 Custom products
CONTENTS
3. Aircraft Cabin modification and certification.
3.1 Cabin modification thru Aircraft manufacturer modification.
3.2 Minor Modification.
3.3 Major modification thru Supplement type certificate (STC).
3.4 Overview on certification rules.
Certification principles
Minor VS Major modification
TSO certification and CS 25 rules related to cabin
9G and 16G Dynamic testing for seats
Seat Modifications
Fireworthiness criteria's
Fireworthiness rules.
Dilemma of toxicity rule.
Dilemma of exemption.
CONTENTS
4. Cabin interior lifecycle
4.1 Cabin refresher programs.
4.2 Cabin refurbishments.
4.3 Cabin reconfigurations.
4.4 Integration of In-flight entertainment / Live satellite TV.
4.5 Integration of mobile telephony and internet Connectivity.
4.6 Integration of other technologies related to maintenance.
5. Cabin maintenance definition and Cost reduction challenges:
5.1 Peculiarity of Equipment and furnishing Maintenance VS Aircraft
maintenance (Systems, Avionics, Propulsion and Structure) concepts.
5.2 Cabin Appearance standards.
5.3 Aircraft Cabin Cleaning Challenges.
5.4 Cost reduction thru alternate products (ie; PMA parts, DOA-POA
modification)
5.5 Part repair outside OEM tolerable limits.
5.6 Warranty negotiations.
5.7 Reliability investigations.
CONTENTS
6. Emergency equipment:
6.1 Overview of variable emergency equipment used on aircraft
6.2 Evacuation systems (door cert, slide, slide raft, escape rope, ditching rope)
6.3 Dr. Helen Muir study case on cabin evacuation in Cranfield University.
6.4 Regulatory requirements for emergency equipment.
Certification regulations (CS 25 rules)
Operation regulations (EASA CAT OPS rules).
6.5 Emergency Equipment Operational rules comparison (JAA Ops 1 , EU Ops,
EASA CAT OPS and FAA FAR 121 rules.)
7. Future of cabin interiors.
7.1 Overview of potential future product innovation
7.2 relationship between IMA/Communication and cabin
1. Overview Of Equipment and furnishing items and arrangement.
ATA 25 - Equipment and furnishing are found in these three main compartments:
- Flight Compartment (Cockpit)
- Passenger compartments (Cabin)
- Cargo compartments
Based on aircraft design and features ATA 25 could cover more compartments that can be
located in cargo or above the cabin. Here are some examples:
- Boeing 777 and 787 and Airbus A350 have the options of overhead crew compartments
- A330 and A340 have the option of lower deck mobile crew rest compartments
- A340-600 have the option of lower deck compartment that can contain galleys and lavs
1. Overview Of Equipment and furnishing items and arrangement.
Some aircraft like the Boeing 777 and 787 or Airbus A350 have the option of overhead
compartments:
Below image is for 787 shows location of
- Overhead Flight Crew Rest (OFCR) located above the cabin in forward area and is used by
pilots to rest during long flights. The compartment has a range of comfort equipment.
- Overhead Flight Attendant Rest (OFAR) located above the cabin in aft area and is used by
crew to sleep during long flights. The compartment has a limited range of comfort
These compartments are supposed to be accessible to cabin crew only, and are generally
referred as “Secret Chambers”.
1. Overview Of Equipment and furnishing items and arrangement.
Airbus adopted on A330 /A340 a different design approach by using lower deck mobile
crew rest (LDMCR) which serve as similar function to BOEING OFAR. Its advantage is being
mobile. It is a big container in the cargo compartment which can be removed if not
needed.
Airbus A330 /340 LDMCR (Lower Deck mobile crew rest)
1. Overview Of Equipment and furnishing items and arrangement.
Airbus A340-600 has different possibilities of compartment configurations in cargo
location, this can vary from Galleys, Lavatories crew rests and stowage.
Airbus A340-600 possible lower deck compartments configuration
1. Overview Of Equipment and furnishing items and arrangement.
Almost all wide body aircraft have the options of crew rests in different configurations
and features
Airbus A380 Lower deck crew rest
Can you think of an improper usage of crew rest compartment?
“ Mile-High club” issue will be discussed in maintenance and design
modification section as a case study.
1.1 Flight compartment
A flight compartment is designed to support flight crew:
- pilots seats.
- Observer seats
- Amenities for short- or long-range flights.
on large transport commercial aircraft
The flight compartment door and
bulkhead are intrusion and ballistic
characteristic compliant:
After 9/11 Attack in New York, FAA mandated
on all US operators and foreign operators to
reinforce cockpit door and bulkhead to sustain
fire arm or even a bomb to prevent terrorist
from entering cockpit by force and take control
of aircraft.
Reference FAA regulations:
FAR 25.795, FAR 121.313(j), and FAR 129.28
9/11 attacks has radically changed
aviation transport security
1.1 Flight compartment
Pilot seat: multiple features are made for comfort and safety that include:
vertical travel: to adjust the seat upwards or downwards
horizontal travel: to move the seat forwards or backwards
adjustable backrest, inboard armrest, side stick armrest and safety harness
Sogerma seats used on Airbus fleet.
The seat is fully electrical, with manual override option (in case of failure)
1.1 Flight compartment
Observer seats: Additional foldable seats are in cockpit with safety features only.
These are commonly referred by crew as Jump seats or Dead head seats (dead head
is a terminology used to refer for a pilot not on duty but flying on airplane)
Observer Seats on A320
1.1 Flight compartment
Amenities in Cockpit:
Multiple amenities are provided to improve pilot comfort in cockpit, cosmetic
appearance is also taken in consideration, usage of proper colors is selected in
order not to disturb vision. This is a need to ensure max performance of pilots.
Cockpit comfort has dramatically evolved since Douglas DC-3 to even reach
luxury on Boeing 787.
1.1 Flight compartment
Amenities in Cockpit:
Below are some examples on cockpit items with their intent:
-
-
-
HEAT AND SOUND INSULATION PANELS: to reduce noise in cockpit and provide
pleasant temperature control for a better cockpit environment.
LINING AND FURNISHING PANELS: covers the heat and sound insulation blankets,
Also these panels provide cockpit decoration. The shapes and colors of the linings are
designed to provide a harmonious and sound-insulated cockpit.
FLOOR COVERING: The cockpit floor is covered with easy-to-clean and sun-and
moisture-resistant carpet.
-
SUNVISOR: to reduce intensity of sunlight and reduce glare.
-
BLIND ROLLER: to block sunlight coming thru windows
-
FOOT WARMER: To improve thermal comfort, a pair of electrically heated panels are
installed on the cockpit floor at both the Captain's and the First Officer's stations.
1.1 Flight compartment
Amenities in Cockpit:
-
COAT STOWAGE: For pilots to hang their jackets and coats.
-
PILOT BAG STOWAGE: to store pilot bag in a convenient accessible location
-
MISCELLANEOUS STOWAGES: stowage for variety of items that might include
emergency equipment
-
BOTTLE HOLDER: easy access bottle holder near pilot seat
-
PAPER HOLDER: installed in variable locations for ease of pilot to affix any paper.
-
FOLDABLE TABLE: to use it as work table or as meal tray table.
-
WASTE BIN: for waste disposal
-
SAFE LOCKER: for storing and securing items of values
1.1 Flight compartment
A380 Cockpit layout showing seats, Amenities and emergency equipment
Rear Center View of A380 Cockpit
1.1 Flight compartment
A380 Cockpit layout showing Avionics, Amenities and emergency equipment
Forward View of A380 Cockpit
1.1 Flight compartment
A380 Cockpit layout showing seats, Amenities and emergency equipment
Rear right side View of A380 Cockpit
1.1 Flight compartment
A380 Cockpit layout showing seats, Amenities and emergency equipment
Rear left side View of A380 Cockpit
1.2 Passenger compartment
In passenger compartment of a large transport aircraft, there are much more than
just seats, you can basically find everything you expect to find in a luxury house and
much more…
moving to VVIP the choices are unlimited… you can even have a tennis court or even
a swimming pool !!!
In this part discussion will be on large transport commercial aircraft only:
First an overview on items and product will be highlighted,
Second an overview on how items arrangement is made.
-
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items:
The cabin of an aircraft features the following:
- Seats (First class, business class, premium, and economy)
- Cabin Attendant seats.
- Lining and Furnishings.
- Overhead stowage.
- Passenger Service Chanel
- Curtains / partitions / Class dividers
- Ancillary equipment.
- Floor Covering.
- Buffet and Galleys
- Galley equipment.
- Lavatories.
- Lavatory equipment.
- Emergency Equipment (to be discussed in separate section)
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items: Seats / Economy class
Economy (EY)Seats have multiple basic features along with additional selectable features:
Basic Features: Armrest, meal tray table, seat pouch, adjustable headrest, recline function
Extra Features: Entertainment system (IFE), Power outlet, USB connection, Coat Hook, Cup
holder, foot rest, etc…
Each feature is customizable based on airline wish, varying from colors to fabric type to
monitor size etc… this is based on seat manufacturer catalogue options.
Example of some marketed economy seats along with offerable features
Manufacturer: Collins (previously know as B/E aerospace), Seat Model: Pinnacle
Example of some marketed economy seats along with offerable features
Manufacturer: Geven, Seat Model: Piuma
Example of some marketed economy seats along with offerable features
Manufacturer: Recaro, Seat Model: SL3510
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items: Seats / Business class
Business Seats are of bigger size (in width and pitch) and have more features when compared
to economy. These features could be:
Multiple articulation with possibility of electric control, Lie flat or full flat bed, massage
function, bigger IFE screens, control of dimmable window from seat, call button from seats.
Full privacy area, front ottoman, bigger stowages, amenity stowage, center console, dedicated
reading light etc…
Example of some marketed Business seats along with offerable features
Manufacturer: Collins (previously know as B/E aerospace), Seat Model: Mi Q
Example of some marketed Business seats along with offerable features
Manufacturer: Recaro, Seat Model: CL 5710
Example of some marketed Business seats along with offerable features
Manufacturer: Collins (previously know as B/E aerospace), Seat Model: Diamond
Click here for more details on this seat
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items: Seats
Additionally, other class of seats exists:
- Premium seats, which are a class between economy and business. Typically, those
seats as similar to economy but have a higher width and bigger pitch and might have
more features than economy.
- First class seats, which have full privacy even some products come with door and can
be transformed to full flat bed and have higher width and pitch and might comes
with some exotic features like having a small beverage freezer or can rotate 180
degree to be transformed with side seat to a “restaurant like” dining.
Note:
these products are not standard like economy and business but rather custom
designed based on airline requirement
- Premium Business Seats has recently arisen in the market especially with airlines that
do not offer first class seating, it is a high-class business that share some features of
first-class seating.
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items: Seats
Premium seats:
- Refer to below link for comparison of Premium seats versus Economy / Business on
Iberia A350:
https://iberia.3dseatmapvr.com/examples/a350next.html
- Refer to below link for comparison of Premium seats versus Economy / Business on
Air France A350:
https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=BGMm8DLQnKe&brand=0
Case study 1: Compare Airfrance / Iberia premium class products and features.
Case study2: Compare Airfrance / Iberia Seating selections / Arrangements.
In both cases discuss the similarities and differences between both airlines along with
factors driving airlines for product selections.
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items: Emirates First Class seating (which is much more than a seat)
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items: Emirates First Class (which is much more than a seat)
Latest first class product of emirates
“Old“ first class product of emirates (Designer: Pierre Jean Design Studio - Paris - 2003)
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items:
Etihad Old first class the seat can be rotated
180 degree and the 23-inch screen can be
stowed to have a real dining experience.
The seat has a mini fridge for beverage.
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items: Luxury Is not new…
In early 70’s (prior to the world oil crisis ) airframe manufacturers and airlines were
eager to provide extravagant high standard products. Below are some photos of Trans
World Airlines (TWA) and Gulf Air on its Lockheed Martin L1011 Tri-Star). Similarly,
other airframe manufacturers like Boeing and Douglas provided luxury options
TWA first class cabin
(Lockheed Martin L1011 tristar)
Swivel seats / collapsible table design
where passenger can transform their
seating to a real dining experience (L1011)
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items: Luxury Is not new…
1970’s L1011 Tri-Star: Gulf Air was the national carrier of four wealthy oil countries (Bahrain,
UAE, Oman and Qatar) - Luxury in its cabin is rare to find even on todays standards
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items: Luxury Is not new…
and American Airlines first class cabin
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items: Cabin Attendant seats (CAS)
Seats used by cabin crew (during take off and landing and for resting during flight
are different from passenger seats.
CAS are designed with some features to support crew duties
these features include:
-
-
-
Seat belts with four attachment points to enable proper restraint during
turbulence where cabin crew might need to perform duty.
Built in communication handset to be able to communicate with other cabin crew
or pilots.
Built in accessible stowage for stowing emergency equipment that cabin crew
might need to use.
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items: Cabin Attendant seats (CAS)
Standard Cabin attendant seat:
Featuring basic seat, with 4 points
seat belt and a lower stowage
compartment accessible while seated
seat belt
A380 offerable product (MFG: Goodrich)
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items: Cabin Attendant seats (CAS)
A380 offerable product (MFG: Goodrich)
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items: Cabin Attendant seats (CAS)
High comfort Cabin attendant seat:
Featuring same options of a standard
seat with the following additions:
- Wider in dimension
- Arm rests
- Meal tray table
- Foot rest
This product is not popular, however
airlines that fly long destinations and
do not have onboard crew rest might
select this option.
787 offerable product (MFG Ipeco)
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items: Cabin Attendant seats (CAS)
High comfort Cabin attendant seat:
A380 offerable product
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items: Cabin Attendant seats (CAS)
Cabin attendant seats might feature
communication / control tools
Cabin attendant seats designated as “crew
station” feature communication / control
tools in order for cabin crew to perform
their duties while seated.
Note: Some cabin attendant seats might not
feature any communication tool as not all
cabin crew seats are designated as crew
station.
M
as
ter
Standard
4-switch
Standard
5-switch
Dual
lights
only
Light
switch
only
Blank
panel
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items: Cabin Attendant seats (CAS)
Cabin attendant seats might be of different designs (floor mounted, wall mounted,
double seats, high comfort or swivel type) based on aircraft design features and or
regulatory Authority (EASA, FAA, CAA…) requirements.
Airlines have the option of color customization only for plastic, fabric and seat belt
color
A320 offerable product (MFG: Goodrich or SICMA)
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin items: Cabin attendant seats
(Mini Case study, to be discussed during online course)
If you have to define a configuration for a low-cost carrier (Vietjet Air), or legacy carrier
(Viet Nam Airlines) for operation on short or medium range flight, what would you
select? standard cabin attendant seat or high comfort? Justify?
If you have to define a configuration for a low-cost carrier (Vietjet Air), or legacy carrier
(Viet Nam Airlines) for operation of Long-haul flight, what would you select? standard
cabin attendant seat or high comfort? Justify?
How existence of cabin crew rest could impact your choice?
Back to cabin crew rest, would you select to have crew rest option for vietjet (Low-cost
carrier) on its long-haul flight? Why?
Similarly, for Viet Nam Airlines would you select to have crew rest option on its longhaul flight? Why?
1.2 Passenger compartment
Lining and Furnishings: are
decorative items that cover the
inside upper half fuselage of aircraft
The aircraft fuselage is covered from
inside with insulation blankets to
improve sound insulation thermal
insulation and prevent humidity
accumulation. From cabin side to
have an aesthetic appearance lining
and furnishing items are installed.
Those items are:
dado panels
sidewall panels
cove light panels
OHSC, including handrail
ceiling panels
exit ceiling panels
door and door frame linings.
Airlines can select and customize the colors as per their needs, additional
customization (shape or material or trim is also possible but involve additional cost)
1.2 Passenger compartment
Lining and Furnishings:
Beside mentioned customization, these products comes in different standard sizes,
the selection is more related to cabin arrangement
A320 sizes of Ceiling, DADO and sidewall panels
1.2 Passenger compartment
Lining and Furnishings:
Cove lights comes in different standard shapes based on light type to be installed
A320 variable cove light shapes
1.2 Passenger compartment
Lining and Furnishings: Overhead Stowage compartment (OHSC)
Those are the stowage bins above seats used by passengers to store their hand luggages.
The most common type OHSC are of fixed type (you open the door to get access)
Another type is movable ( the whole bin move downward for ease of access)
Different configurations are possible (in length size and in location)
Fixed OHSC on A380
1.2 Passenger compartment
Lining and Furnishings: Overhead Stowage compartment (OHSC)
Movable OHSC on A380
1.2 Passenger compartment
Lining and Furnishings: Overhead Stowage compartment (OHSC)
A380 with OHSC on sides only
1.2 Passenger compartment
Lining and Furnishings: Overhead Stowage compartment (OHSC)
Why different configurations are possible? And which one is better?
It is a matter of choice and it is up to airline to determine their needs for example:
- Fixed OHSC are simpler than movable, so maintenance cost less. However movable
OHSC are handier to passengers.
- Number of OHSC needed is based on number of seats, if an aircraft is with low
density, airline might decide not to have center bins to give more space impression for
passengers and also save weight.
- Some airlines adopt movable OHSC in business class without center bin as number of
passengers is low, while they adopt fixed bin in economy class. Those bin are installed
in center and sides to have max storage. Other airlines might not choose this config as
they prefer to have one OHSC product rather than 2 which means less spares and
lower maintenance cost.
If you have to define a configuration for a low-cost carrier (Vietjet Air), or legacy carrier
(Viet Nam Airlines) what would you select for each? and how can you justify your choice?
1.2 Passenger compartment
Lining and Furnishings: Overhead Stowage compartment (OHSC)
(Mini case study)
If you have to define a configuration for a low-cost carrier (Vietjet Air), or legacy
carrier (Viet Nam Airlines) what would you select for each? and how can you justify
your choice?
1.2 Passenger compartment
Lining and Furnishings: Overhead Stowage compartment (OHSC)
787 Door 1 area: Different OHSC installation layout
(Overhead Flight Crew Rest (OFCR) can be seen protruding from ceiling when selected)
1.2 Passenger compartment
Passenger Service Chanel
Passenger Service Chanel are sometimes referred as Passenger Service/Information
Unit (PSIU), or Passenger Supply Channels (PSC) or Passenger Service Unit (PSU).
The PSC arrangement is derived from the seating arrangement.
The PSC is installed below the OHSC at every
seat row and contain:
-
Attendant call switches
individual reading lights
individual reading light switches.
individual air outlets
emergency oxygen container
Loudspeaker
"No Smoking / Fasten Seat Belt" sign.
Infill panels are used to cover the remaining
space.
1.2 Passenger compartment
Passenger Service Chanel
A320 typical Passenger Service/Information Unit (PSIU)
1.2 Passenger compartment
Passenger Service Chanel
A350 typical Passenger Supply Channels (PSC)
1.2 Passenger compartment
Passenger Service Chanel
A380 typical Passenger Service Unit (PSU)
1.2 Passenger compartment: Passenger Service Chanel
787 typical Passenger Service Unit (PSU)
1.2 Passenger compartment: Evolution of cabin design on specific project: A320 Example
1.2 Passenger compartment: Evolution of cabin design on specific project: A320 Example
1.2 Passenger compartment: Evolution of cabin design on specific project: A320 Example
Airspace design was developed by Airbus on A350, the same design concept is
derived for A320/321 NEO and A330 NEO to have a better consistency in their fleets.
Additionally, Airbus adopted this new improvement from the previous enhanced
product to respond to Boeing Skyline interior of 787 where similar adaptation was
taken on 737 sky interior for cabin Aesthetic improvement.
Refer to Airbus Airspace folder for details of this project.
Refer to below video for comparison between Airbus Airspace and Boeing Skyline on:
Narrow Body: A320 VS 737
Wide Body: A330 Neo VS 787
Extra wide Body: A350 VS 777X
1.2 Passenger compartment: Curtains and partitions:
Curtains and partitions with other furnishings, provide privacy to dedicated areas
including galleys, passenger doors, cabin attendant areas and the cockpit aisle.
A variety of colorful curtain textiles can be used to enhance the appearance of
passenger compartments.
The following details can be customized: color, material, pleating
Example of an A330 Layout of curtains and partitions installation
1.2 Passenger compartment: Curtains and partitions: Curtains
The curtain is folded into approximately 70 mm wide pleats however, Different
dimensions are possible in agreement with the customer/vendor
Two types of pleating are possible:
sewn pleated : these pleats are machine sewn. The seams alternate from front to back.
steam pleated : the material is folded, and steam pleated.
If interested more refer to A330/A340 Curtain-brochure
Sewn pleated VS steam pleated curtain
1.2 Passenger compartment: Curtains and partitions: Partitions
Partitions can be combined with ancillary equipment e.g. literature pockets, magazine racks
and baby bassinets, etc. and In-flight Entertainment (IFE) items such as LCD monitors.
Partitions are made of a honeycomb sandwich panel covered with a decorative film.
the most common types of partitions are:
• full-height straight partitions
• full-height cranked partitions
• below OHSC straight partitions
• below OHSC cranked partitions
below OHSC cranked partitions (A320 program)
Straight partitions (A350 program)
1.2 Passenger compartment: Ancillary equipment:
Baby bassinet
Doghouse
Stowage
1.2 Passenger compartment: Ancillary equipment:
A choice of ancillary equipment is installed throughout the cabin.
These items are used for passenger and crew convenience and to maximize
benefit of cabin space,
the most common ancillary items are:
-
Stowage
Doghouses
Baby bassinets
Child restraint system
Folding tables
Literature pockets
Magazine racks
Postcard racks
Picture frames
Floor Heating system
1.2 Passenger compartment: Ancillary equipment: Stowage.
Stowage can be used for the storage of emergency and electronic equipment,
passenger service items), trolleys, standard units and/or passenger and crew
belongings. Different types of doors are available including roller-shutter,
single door or sliding door.
these equipment care selectable with
different widths; door types latches etc...
Colors, or covering tedlar film can be
customized along with stowage accessories
(shelves, drawer coat rods etc...)
1.2 Passenger compartment: Ancillary equipment: Stowage.
Stowage are available in two main types: 'Full-height stowage' or 'Below OHSC height’
- Full-height stowage installation is limited to certain cabin locations. and requires
removal of the OHSC at that particular section.
- Height below OHSC can be installed throughout the cabin.
Full-height stowage
Height below OHSC
1.2 Passenger compartment: Ancillary equipment: Doghouses
To optimize space behind the last row of the passenger seats, doghouses can be
installed for the storage of emergency equipment and cabin service items.
Doghouse are available with door or with sliding drawer to provide better access to
contents. They are available in different widths and can be customized in color or
locking provisions
Doghouses available with doors or sliding drawers or panels
1.2 Passenger compartment: Ancillary equipment: Baby bassinets
Baby bassinets combine comfort and safety for babies on longer flights.
They are wall-mounted by means of pip-pins .
When not in use the bassinet can be folded to a minimum size and stored.
It consists of a foldable aluminum tube frame and fabric bassinet with foam mattress.
Baby bassinet installed on partition can be stowed in OHS when not in use
1.2 Passenger compartment: Ancillary equipment: Child restraint system
Child restraint system are mounted on passenger seats to provide proper restraint.
In accordance with general transport regulations babies weighting up to 10 kg must be
secured facing against the flight direction.
Children up to 25 kg are secured facing the flight direction.
Fastening is similar to that found in a car by means of a 5-point-harness.
Child restraint system can be installed FWD or aft facing, when not in use it could be
folded to be stored onboard
1.2 Passenger compartment: Ancillary equipment: Folding table
Folding tables of different widths can be installed at certain cabin attendant stations.
They can be used as working tables or worktops. They are secured in a folded stowage
position.
Folding table installation (A320 program)
1.2 Passenger compartment: Ancillary equipment: Literature Pockets
Literature Pockets are generally installed in front of the first passenger rows or on
door frame linings
They are used for storage of safety cards and airline advertising material.
Literature pockets
1.2 Passenger compartment: Ancillary equipment:
Magazine racks, Postcard racks.
Magazine racks are installed on upper side of wall for storing magazines and newspapers
Single, double and triple slot magazine racks can be added to any suitable rigid wall such
as a partition, stowage, galley or lavatory.
Postcard racks are similar to magazine rack but of smaller size used to store postcards and
sometimes used to store immigration cards
Magazine racks and postcards racks offerable on Airbus A350 program
1.2 Passenger compartment: Ancillary equipment:
Cranked partition featuring ancillary equipment: Magazine rack (top right)
baby bassinet (center) and three literature pouches (bottom)
1.2 Passenger compartment: Ancillary equipment:
Picture frame
picture frame are installed on lateral cabin
surface to feature artwork or advertisement.
Variable sizes can be selected.
Picture frame of variable sizes
(A350 program)
Picture frame installation
(787 program)
1.2 Passenger compartment: Ancillary equipment: Floor Heating System (FHS)
The FHS is used to provide thermal comfort to passengers / cabin crew in the cabin areas,
that are likely to get very cold during long flight missions and on ground during cold
weather operations. Therefore, electrically heated floor panels are used in the door zones.
The heated floor panels are part of the automatically operating floor area heating system
Heated floor panels are distributed per door zone in accordance with the cabin layout and
are invisible to passengers.
Heated floor panel construction
(2nd Gen) on A330/A340 program
FHS on A330 located near door and aft galley
1.2 Passenger compartment: Floor covering:
Floor covering (Left: Textile carpet. Right: Mat carpet)
1.2 Passenger compartment: Floor covering:
There are two types of floor coverings used on aircraft.
1- textile carpets: this is a fabric carpet similar to the "moquette“.
2- Non textile carpet known as NTF (Non Textile Flooring). it is a mat type.
Airlines have the choice of selecting
Non Textile Floor Covering: For installation in entrance / exit areas, galleys, and in lavatories.
Textile floor Covering: For installation in cabin area.
These products are offered thru airframe makers, or directly from the suppliers.
Airlines might select to customize the products in terms of colors, patterns or texture.
For NTF, behind the appearance aspects, there is a range of different selection related to the
engineering of the product itself.
1.2 Passenger compartment: Floor covering:
Based on airline business model, selection is made:
A budgeted airline might select one NTF products for wet area (entrance / exit areas,
galleys, and in lavatories) and one textile product for cabin.
Preferred design of flooring will be without pattern or with a non directional random
pattern as this would save material waste in cuts.
Indigo (low cost carrier based in India):
A320 Aircraft featuring one simple carpet in cabin and one simple NTF in wet areas and entrances.
1.2 Passenger compartment: Floor covering:
Premium airlines might go in much more customization...
Carpets in each zone (first, business and economy) might be of different design. even in one zone (ie
first class) carpet in aisle area could differ from other areas.
Etihad Airways (wealthy airline based in Arabian gulf, branding itself as seven star airline):
A380 Aircraft featuring 6 different carpet design with orientation pattern
1.2 Passenger compartment: Floor covering:
selection of lav NTF could
differ between first business
and economy lavs.
Similarly, NTF in each galley
area (first class, business
class, economy class) could
be selected differently.
Etihad Airways A380 Aircraft featuring 5 different NTF design in cabin with orientation pattern.
1.2 Passenger compartment: Floor covering:
Some wealthy airlines might decide to have
textile carpet in entrance as this is a first
impression of a passenger entering the aircraft.
Textile carpet is subject to high wear if installed in
entrance and would require more frequent
replacement and thus a higher cost.
In spite that luxury generally goes against cost
savings, innovation and creativity could prove this
wrong… beside is the photo of first class of
emirates where NTF is installed in first class
cabin…
Pattern selected is wooden “parquet” style. Some
other airlines use similar pattern for entrances or
wet areas but this is never seen in cabin area…
not even with low cost carrier…
NTF used in first class in an innovative way
1.2 Passenger compartment: Floor covering:
Additionally premium airlines would not only go thru customization in color, but might
select a big patterns for high cosmetic appearance…
(in such case a small damage would require a full flooring replacement as partial
replacement is impossible in order to conserve the continuity and consistency in the
pattern).
Standard texture (round dots) versus custom texture to simulate a carpet pattern
Also texture of NTF could be customized to an embossing pattern.
Furthermore NTF could have a light sensitive pigmentation where based on lighting color
or intensity a new pattern design or wording or logo could appear on the floor (such
products are custom made).
If interested more, refer to enclosed Airbus standard NTF selection Brochure.
1.2 Passenger compartment: Floor covering:
From engineering perspectives NTF is made of variable layers whether fused in
production or during installation, there are different product design concepts of NTF
related to NTF construction and material. each concepts has its pro and cons in terms of:
-
Maintainability
Weight saving
Stability in terms of waving and bubbling
Appearance in terms of telegraphing
this will be discussed further in online course along with highlight why Airbus and Boeing
has different requirements, and how this is related to the aircraft structural design
concept!!!
If interested on maintenance aspects of NTF refer to enclosed sample video for:
- NTF installation on aircraft.
- NTF large damage repair.
- NTF medium damage repair.
1.2 Passenger compartment: Floor covering: Mini study case:
If you have to select floor covering for Vietjet or for Viet Nam Airlines, or for presidential
aircraft of Vietnam (VIP), what would be your choices of:
1. Carpet / NTF locations.
2. Carpet / NTF patterns and texture.
3. Would you select different designs for each zone (ie business/economy class, for VIP
would you select same design for bedroom, or meeting room or staff work areas...)
4. Coming to maintenance, what type of repair carpet would you allow on NTF ?
5. What is your maintenance constraints for carpet replacement (routine replacement
regardless of condition?, On condition replacement of worn out carpets, schedule
replacement of aisle carpet only etc... )
Carpets and NTF can be offered with self adhesive pre installed or without self adhesive.
Flooring coming with adhesive are easy to install and require less time, however they
have a shelf life expiry date... flooring without adhesive require more time as adhesive
has to be added prior installation but has no shelf life expiry...
Based on your identified maintenance plan (item 5) would you select product with self
adhesive or without self adhesive? could you consider using both products? and under
which circumstances, could this depend on your fleet size?
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galleys:
Example of A330 NEO
Rear Galley: Innovative Cabin Enabler (ICE) possible arrangement
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galleys: Definition
Galleys could be found in multiple location in a commercial aircraft.
Galleys are the “kitchenettes” or “kitchens” where catering (food, beverages,
kitchenware's, chinaware etc…) is stored and prepared.
Galleys could be:
- Dry Galleys (no water supply/drain available)
- Wet Galleys (water supply/drain is available)
- Powered / non powered galley (electric power is available or no)
an airline can select wet-powered galley, dry-unpowered galley etc....
Customization is possible based on airline will ((ie: number of carts, or galley
equipment to be installed, finish and trim, other selectable options etc...)
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galley options and features :
Galleys are offered in different sizes with possibility of installation in multiple areas
in an aircraft based on structural, electrical and water/waste provisions in an
aircraft.
Possible galley installation locations on A350
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galley options and features :
Galleys have many features which fall under the following categories:
-
Regulatory and safety requirements like double latching of carts…
Maintenance handiness, like access door and shutoff valves…
Operational handiness like pull out table and grip handles…
Convenience / optional items like mirror, paper clips ...
If interested more refer to:
Jamco galley options offered on Boeing 787 program (Photos).
Jamco galley options offered on Boeing 787 program (Drawing).
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galleys: Construction
Galley construction is complex in terms of structure, electric, and plumbing.
In details:
Structures:
Galley structures are of very light weight with extensive use of honeycomb and other
composite materials. a small galley weighing 150 Kg would carry a load of 10 times its
weight and expected to sustain heavy landings that could exceed repetitively 5G thus
totaling an equivalent weight of above 50 times its weight. All this should be sustained
repetitively throughout the aircraft life...
Electric:
the smallest powered galley on A320 has a 20KVA power... to have a flavor what does
that means look at main galley feeder cable.. it is around 2 inches in diameter!!!!
Water supply and drain:
Along the tight space of galley pressurized water is supplied...
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galleys: Certification
in summary galleys are light weight structures carrying extensive loads with
tremendous electric power with presence of pressurized water.
All this is in a very tight place... how can this be designed in a safe way?
As galleys are directly interfacing on aircraft (Structural attachments and loading,
electrical interfacing, water waste interface) Aircraft manufacturer define the
requirements, safety standard and provide guidelines for development, design and
production of galleys.
If interested more refer to enclosed sample document of:
- Airbus A320 galley frame spec 2520 M1F00 02 00 Iss 13
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galleys: History
in early Commercial transport days, no
galleys or galley equipment existed on
aircraft. Later airlines used to manage
catering and food serving in a primitive way
using dedicated areas.
It was till the 1960's at the time of wide
body aircraft appearance and increased
number of passenger, catering needed to
be well organized and airlines wanted to
have such facility, The main question that
everyone was asking, what size these
equipment should be?
Photos on the right shows galleys on DC-3 in the
40’s which were nothing more than work bench
and few storages
Douglas DC-3 Galley
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galleys: History (Evolution of Galley/Galley equipment standard)
Some airlines defined their own equipment in term of sizing other airlines selected to
work together:
the most famous standard is the ATLAS standard defined by 5 airlines: Alitalia, TAP,
Lufthansa, Air France, and Sabena. nowadays this is by far the most common standard.
the second less famous standard is KSSU defined by KLM, Swissair, SAS Scandinavian
Airlines, and UTA.
the naming of ATLAS and KSSU refer to the first letters of airlines who defined this
standard.
this standard specify all galley equipment's sizes (carts, Oven, freezers, etc…) KSSU
standard is narrower in size when compared to ATLAS standard.
Other standards much less famous became obsolete over the years.
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galleys: History (Evolution of Galley/Galley equipment standard)
ATLAS sizing varies in different categories the
most famous ones are Size 1, 2 , 3 and 4 below
are some examples of equipment based on size:
Size 1:
Generally, coffee makers and espresso makers
comes in this standard size
Size 2:
Generally, Ovens, wine chillers comes in this
standard size
Size 3:
Carts, waste trolley, trash compactors comes in
this standard size.
Size 4: standard containers and Bun warmers
comes in this standard size.
Illustration of different Atlas
Compartment sizes
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galleys: History (Evolution of Galley/Galley equipment standard)
As ATLAS standard becomes the norm nowadays, another issue arise along
commonality of powered Galley inserts (GAIN)
These equipment's have electric connection and in many cases water connections. As
Atlas is about size of equipment only, the connections could be of different size,
location and shapes... This means interchangeability is not possible in many cases…
toward mid to end of 2000, ARINC 810 standard was developed, this standard adopt the
ATLAS standards in term of size and standardize the electrical connections and power
consumption along with potable water connection and water drain connection...
virtually an ARINC 810 galley insert can be swapped with another ARINC 810 equipment
of same size...
Arinc 810 is the norm on new airplanes like 787 and A350 and optional on aircraft like
A320 NEO.
If interested more refer to enclosed ARINC 810 standard
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galleys: History (Evolution of Galley/Galley equipment standard)
ARINC 810 connector.
Port B for power, Port A for data ( ARINC 812)
Variable connectors of different standards
used on non ARINC 810 equipment
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galleys: History (Evolution of Galley/Galley equipment standard)
Another interesting standard related to Galley equipment, Galley and aircraft is the
ARINC 812...
In case the galley equipment is qualified along with galley and aircraft to this standard,
a mechanic can troubleshoot and monitor the equipment from aircraft side without
the need to take off the equipment to shop for troubleshooting.
Currently there is a range of products meeting this standard offered by Collins
aerospace (Ex B/E aerospace) and Safran (Ex Zodiac), however the only aircraft
meeting ARINC 812 as of today is the Airbus A350.
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galley Inserts (GAIN):
A range of offerable galley equipment can be offered to airlines these equipment can
be powered or unpowered
Non powered Galley insert (GAINs)
- Full size trolley
- Half size trolley
- Full size waste cart
- Half size waste cart
- Foldable serving trolley
- Duty free trolley.
- Standard container
- Standard ice container
The airline have the option to customize each of these items. If interested more refer to:
- Non powered GAIN selection offered on 787 by Diethelm Keller Aviation
- Non powered GAIN selection offered on A350 program
These equipment are generally certified and Qualified thru a Technical Standard Order
(REF TSO 175) and meet SAE Standard no AS8056 If interested more refer to:
- SAE AS8056 Minimum Design and Performance of Airplane Galley In-Flight Carts,
Containers, and Associated Components
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galley Inserts (GAIN): Non powered GAIN
Half size trolley
Full size waste cart
Standard container
Non powered galley equipped with
carts and standard units
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galley Inserts (GAIN): Powered Galley insert (GAINs)
Electrical insert can vary from common type to luxury type to uncommon types
Common types can be found on majority of airlines:
- OVEN (induction, convection, steam type)
- Beverage MAKER
- Water boiler
- HOT CUP
these equipment are made for heating food stored by
catering and to provide standard beverages (coffee and
tea mainly).
Beverage maker (B/E)
Water Boiler (B/E)
Oven (IPECO)
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galley Inserts (GAIN): Powered Galley insert (GAINs)
Luxury type of electrical insert are made to feature high end catering:
- MACHINE-ESPRESSO
- Nespresso maker
- Bun Warmer
- Freezer, fridge, wine chiller
Airlines might select these types of GAIN for serving business and first class
B/E Essence line of powered Galley Inserts
Note: nowadays cosmetic appearance of inserts (which is rarely visible to passenger) is given increased attention
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galley Inserts (GAIN): Powered Galley insert (GAINs)
Uncommon type of electrical galley inserts: On some prestigious airlines we can find
Additional type of equipment designed for cooking:
- Microwave
- Rice cooker
- Toaster
- Skillet
Why do airlines need to cook onboard if food is already pre-prepared by catering???
Aerolux Custom made skillet
Aerolux Custom made toaster
Ipeco Microwave
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galley Inserts (GAIN): Powered Galley insert (GAINs)
Why do airlines need to cook onboard if food is already pre-prepared by catering???
For business and first class, some airline have Sky chef... a real chef to cook your
food!!!
These chefs are trained to work onboard as preparing aircraft food in the air differ
from on ground....
why is it different to cook in air?
- Humidity issue...
- Space issue...
- Taste in low pressure environment…
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galley Inserts (GAIN): Powered Galley insert (GAINs)
Other type of electrical galley inserts: can be found not for luxury
or food serving but for efficiency in service:
- Trash compactor: they are waste carts that compact the trash.
As space is limited on aircraft some airlines use trash
compactors to save space. One trash compactor save the
space of three waste carts.
- Air chiller: As cart contain food, these carts need to be cooled
otherwise it will spoil and the worst airline nightmare is to
have passenger food poisoned...
Note:
on some aircraft the air chiller is an insert on galley (ie: A320)
while on others it is a remote chilling system that is part of the
aircraft cooling system (ie: 787)
(Think about it like a split Air condition (Air chiller) and a central
Air condition (Remote chilling system))
Safran (Monogram)
Trash Compactor
1.2 Passenger compartment
Galley Inserts (GAIN): Powered Galley insert (GAINs)
Each Galley insert type could be customizable in type, function or appearance: bbelow are
some examples:
Type: An oven for instance could be convection or induction or steam type
Function: A beverage maker can be for brewing coffee only, or coffee and tea, or with
additional spout for hot water.
Appearance: Color, door opening direction, transparent door are some appearance options
that can be selected on some equipment.
These equipment are generally certified and Qualified thru a Technical Standard Order (REF
TSO 184 and meet SAE Standard no AS8057
If interested more, Refer to:
- Airbus A350 Offerable Electric Galley inserts
- SAE AS 8057,Minimum Design and Performance of Airplane Galley Insert Equipment, Electrical
Pressurized
1.2 Passenger compartment: Lavatories:
Custom first class lavatory design for Gulf Air A330 in 2005 (Courtesy of Simon Lunn and Associate)
1.2 Passenger compartment: Lavatories:
Lavatories could be found in multiple location in a commercial aircraft.
An airline have the options of installing lavs in multiple location in the aircraft based
on aircraft provision (for water, waste, electric and structure).
A350 possible lav installation location
1.2 Passenger compartment: Lavatories:
Lavatories installation depend on standard provisions available on aircraft.
Below photo explains the water and waste lines versus an installed lav.
It is very uncommon to have an
airline asking for a lav to be in a
place outside the standard
provisions, however this could
often happens.
(ie: Etihad Airways has Lav 12 on
its A340-600 in a custom
location.)
In such cases provisions has to
be created in the non standard
location
Lavatory can be installed where water and waste lines
provisions are available
1.2 Passenger compartment: Lavatories:
An airline can select different Lav types and sizes to be installed in aircraft in
multiple defined location provisions.
A350 Offerable lavs (note: some lavs are peculiar to specific locations due to geometry limitation
1.2 Passenger compartment: Lavatory:
The airline have the option of customizing the lav colors based on the company
brand color to reflect their identity.
Example of an airline color definition for an A330 Lav
1.2 Passenger compartment: Lavatory equipment:
The lavatory comes with multiple standard equipment, additionally the airline can
select alternate options or additional equipment.
Example of standard lav equipment on Airbus A350
1.2 Passenger compartment:
Lavatory equipment:
automatic seat and lid close for the toilet unit
multifunctional stowage variant
soap bottle holder variant
additional mirror variant
amenities shelf variant
foot pedal actuated waste flap
water faucet with touchless activation
liquid soap dispenser (manual)
flower vase
dispensers for toilet seat cover, tissues, wet wipe
sanitizers and water cups
syringe disposal box provisions
water filter for Lavatory Water Supply Assembly (LWSA)
trash compactor
razor/power outlet and/or individual air outlet on/or
close to the information strip
hold down padded support
nursing table and a padding feature
toilet flush with a touchless / touch combo
antimicrobial coated interior (toilet shroud, seat and lid)
wash table and a ceiling light with RGBW lighting device
different lighting options like a mirror light (white),
RGB lighting devices for an Amenity shelf illumination
Example of optional lav equipment on Airbus A350
1.2 Passenger compartment: Lavatory equipment:
Automated Faucet
Clothes Hook
Composite Countertop / Sink
Door Handle and Lock
Emergency Equipment Stowage
Facial Tissues
Personal Air Outlet
Interior Assist Handles
LED Lighting
Manual Toilet Seat Covers
Non-glass Mirror
Paper Towels
Passenger Information Sign
Shelf Above Sink (Separate Dry Shelf)
Sink Drain Screen
Soap Bottle Dispenser Holder
Speaker
Toilet Lid/Seat Handle
Toilet Paper Holder
Touchless/Touch Combo Toilet Flush
Example of standard lav equipment on Boeing 787
1.2 Passenger compartment: Lavatory equipment:
Example of optional lav equipment on Boeing 787
1.2 Passenger compartment: Evolution in Lavatories
Post COVID19, touchless features seems to become more attractive for airlines in
response to passenger preferences and demand. (Door opening, water faucet, waste
chute, Lid cover, flush function)
Luxury in lavs that used to be achieved by custom expensive design, and thus proving
not common among airlines, seems to be substituted by light effects benefiting from
the booming technology of LED.
Innovation does not stay here, it goes also for gray water reuse for water saving /
reduced weight (sink water is recirculated to be used for flushing the toilets)
Refer to enclosed Diehl brochures for further details
1.2 Passenger compartment: Evolution in Lavatories: Touchless features
Toilet lid, seat and flush touchless function
1.2 Passenger compartment: Evolution in Lavatories: Touchless features
Touchless Soap dispenser
Touchless Faucet
Touchless Chute
Soap dispenser, Water faucet, waste chute touchless function
1.2 Passenger compartment: Evolution in Lavatories: Touchless features
Hands free door handle and other touchless functions
1.2 Passenger compartment: Evolution in Lavatories: Luxury Customization option
Lav appearance enhancement thru lighting
1.2 Passenger compartment: Evolution in Lavatories: Gray water solution
1- Hand wash water will
be used for toilet flush
2- Grey water will be
stored in a small tank
3- and transferred via a
pump
4- to the spray ring or
nozzles.
5- An overflow protection is part of the tank. If the maximum level is reached
and no toilet flush was activated, the water will be drained automatically into
the waste system.
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin Arrangement
knowing what are all cabin items... the question is how to arrange them to define the
Cabin Lay out known also as LOPA (Lay Out of Passenger Accommodation)...
Simple LOPA of a narrow body aircraft (A321)
in details:
- How many class (Economy, premium economy, business, premium business, first class).
- How many seats in each class?
- How many cabin attendant seats?
- How many toilets?
- How many closets, stowage, overhead bin, partitions, class dividers… etc…?
- How many galleys, and how many carts etc…?
- Where to put each item (i.e. shall all economy lavs be at rear or evenly distributed in
cabin? similarly where shall galleys be put?
1.2 Passenger compartment: Cabin Arrangement
Complex LOPA of A380
1.2 Passenger compartment
Cabin Arrangement
In the online course we will explore in details how cabin definition is made and we will
be tackling this on multiple requirement levels:
-
Regulatory requirements.
Airlines / Industry standards.
Airline business model.
Engineering limitation
If interested more on products offered by manufacturer and possible arrangements
refer to:
Boeing 787 configuration guide (chapter 25).
Airbus A350 configuration guide (part 1)
Airbus A350 configuration guide (part 2)
2. Aircraft Cabin Definition based on Airline Business models.
Cabin products are not made by airframe manufacturers (ie: Boeing, Airbus,
Embaraer etc...) but by a varietie of small manufacturers Specialized in specific
products (aerolux, jamco, iaccobucci etc...) or agglomeration of manufacturers
consisting of variable entities (Safran Group (Ex-Zodiac), Collins (Ex B/E aerospace)).
These suppliers are known as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
Airlines and Operators, differentiate themselves in brand and services thru
different cabin items selections in the designs of furnishings.
Those products are offered or accepted by the airframe manufacturer thru three
different ways at time of aircraft definition / production:
- SFE products.
- BFE products.
- Custom products.
2.1 SFE products.
SFE products are Supplier Furnishing Equipment:
-
-
-
These equipment are manufactured by companies in accordance to exact
specifications and requirements of the airframe maker (ie: Airbus, Boeing etc...)
the selection of these equipment does not involve additional cost to the price of
aircraft negotiated with airlines / owner.
The manufacturer (Airbus or Boeing) hold responsibility on the performance and
reliability of the equipment, and held responsibility on warranty.
Note:
Equipment and furnishings in Cockpit and Cargo are mainly SFE, with some
selection choices.
2.2 BFE products.
BFE products are Buyer Furnishing Equipment:
-
-
-
-
-
These equipment meets minimal requirements of airframe maker (ie: Airbus,
Boeing etc...), and are accepted to be fitted in production.
Purchase terms (cost, warranty, delivery time etc...) are solely between the
airlines and the OEM. The airline or owner has to purchase the equipment and
give it to airframe manufacturer (Airbus, Boeing…) to fit it during production.
The manufacturer is only responsible on fitting these equipment if provided on a
specific time during production.
The manufacturer might get involved in reliability and performance of a BFE or
even share warranty cost, when failure is due to an issue from aircraft side.
However it is the airline who should challenge the airframe manufacturer…
In case the airline/OEM fails to provide these equipment, the aircraft will be
delivered without these equipment, it will be later the responsibility of the
airline to sort out this issue thru different possible ways.
2.3 Custom products.
Airlines tend to have custom products reflecting their identity unique for them.
to Achieve this, airlines works with design houses (JPA, Saffron, Landor...) to come
up with specific design concepts this could involve full cabin or specific products (ie:
seat design, Lav design, Carpets, Layout arrangement, cabin color, Placard font , Full
rebranding, livery change etc...)
After a concept is made and agreed with the airline, tenders will be made to OEM
to develop products based on their needs.
For example: when a Seat design concept is made, tender listing the airline needs
will be made and all seat manufacturers are invited to bid for developing the design.
sometimes designs are too expensive that cost is higher than an airline capability or
too complex that no manufacturer dare to take the project. Even when realized, the
end product might not be as initially provisioned…
Such projects involve tremendous costs (ie: Etihad Airways full Brand at launch of the
airline cost over 1 billion USD).
2.3 Custom products.
-
-
-
-
Airframe maker (ie: Airbus, Boeing etc...), accept such product provided that
OEM is able to prove that these designed products meets all standards required.
Airframe makers do not get involved in any certification of the product.
Airframe maker (ie: Airbus, Boeing etc...) mandate to have all certification and
production to be delivered to them on a specific time. In case of failure to do so,
aircraft might be pulled out of production and put on hold till delivery of all
needed certification and product or aircraft might be delivered “as is” without
the custom products.
Airframe maker (ie: Airbus, Boeing etc...) do not hold any responsibility of
technical support or warranty for these products... it is up to airlines and OEM to
agree on after sale terms.
2.3 Custom products.
From design, to mockup (prototype) to final product the design will change and
might not look as nice as initial concept…
Design concepts
Final product
JPA concept design executed by Zodiac Aerospace (Cirrus seat) and installed on United airlines.
(Cirrus is one of the most successful seats that became a BFE product, many airlines selected different variant of it including
Viet Nam Airlines)
Zodiac Aerospace (Cirrus seat) On Viet Nam Airlines.
(Seat color customization is made to reflect Viet Nam Airline identity along with other customization options that
include In flight Entertainment system)
2.3 Custom products.
Additionally marketed images might differ from reality….
1- Prototype
2- Marketed product (Qatar Airways)
3- Actual product
B/E Super diamond seats.
1- Initial concept seems massive and luxury, 2- marketed images on Qatar Airways where seat is customized with the airline
Burgundy identity color. 3- Actual seat seems to be a dwarf miniature of prototype.
(Qatar Airways was unhappy with this seat, they decided later to change this product on future aircraft and retrofit the existing affected fleets)
2.3 Custom products.
In spite that custom products are mostly First class seats, airlines sometimes tend
to have business class seats custom too…
To a lower extend some other products could be custom designed like lavatories...
Some wealthy airlines might add new product lines as a brand signatures like Virgin
Australia bar or Emirates A380 recreation area or old Etihad Entry lounge… however
popularity of such product can vary from high success that drives airlines to further
develop the product or to a failure that drives the airlines to eliminate it…
Products not with direct passenger contacts or view are rarely made custom…
however some wealthy airlines might go far away with some vanity customization
like Etihad airways customization of galleys and ceiling…
2.3 Custom products.
Simon Lunn and Associate: Custom first class lavatory design for Gulf Air in 2005
2.3 Custom products.
Actual product on Gulf Air A330 fleet featuring extensive use of chrome and wood
patterns with use of gold and off white color along with sky view window
2.3 Custom products.
Virgin Australia bar
2.3 Custom products.
The famous Emirates signature recreation area on A380
This product proved to be very popular among Business and first class passengers where emirates developed this product
design… Photos shown are for the third generation of bar-recreation area
2.3 Custom products.
Evolution of Emirates lounge (Gen 1 VS Gen 3)
What really distinguish Emirates is its consistency in their images… while some airlines introduce new product they
tend to change the whole design, which means they will run with two different standards over years.
Emirates airlines re-create their products with same identity, this can be seen in lounge, First class seating and business
class seating… this consistency gives the Emirates brand a market value.
2.3 Custom products.
Actual product
Marketed product
Etihad unsuccessful first class lounge on A330-200 and A340-500.
Lounge proved to be unsuccessful as it was hard to maintain with associated rocket price, very heavy construction and
waste lot of aircraft space and rarely used by rarely existing first class passengers.
Product introduced in 2008.. after few years starting from 2011, Etihad reconfigured its fleet to remove its failed product.
2.3 Custom products.
-
-
-
-
Custom products are extremely expensive, and has high cost of after sale
support (to maintain), with long lead time for spare.
Custom products always underperform as they generally do not reach maturity
in design.
High cost custom developed products has zero or even negative value when
airlines decide to sell the aircraft as no on want to have a product which is not
reliable and costly to maintain. Furthermore, this product do not reflect the new
owner identity.
Airlines Worst nightmare… what happens if the OEM is bankrupted…
In spite all this, it is very common within airlines to go on this path as brand identity
seems to have a high revenue benefit on the aviation business models.
2.3 Custom products.
From technical perspective it might be insane to select such complex product with
insane development price and huge production cost with extreme high spare cost...
HOW CAN AIRLINES MAKES PROFIT BY SELECTING SUCH EXPENSIVE PRODUCTS?
IS IT REALLY PROFITABLE? AND HOW?
WHY AIRLINES MAKING LOSSES STILL SELECT CUSTOM PRODUCTS?
Many successful business models for airlines is not necessarily profitable from
selling tickets or flying aircraft...
Example Case study:
-
EMIRATES airlines Business model.
Air Canada Business Model.
Government subsidized airlines.
2.3 Custom products.
Example Case study: Emirates airlines.
The airline have a successful profitable business
model however it is not profitable in terms of selling
tickets (or at least, ticket sales do not explain the
huge profits and quick growth of the airline),
The airline sales thru their duty free, has exceeded a yearly profit of 1 billion USD in 2007.
Additionally when emirates made a huge order of over 100 A380, and delivery was
delayed, they got over 1.25 billion dollars cashback penalty from airbus.
Airbus sold the huge A380 order at discounted price to emirates in order to finance the
project, this gave emirates huge assets value that was translated in profits for upcoming
years.
Emirates thru its DNATA Group for hotels and tourism have a positive income sources.
2.3 Custom products.
Example Case study: Air Canada Business Model:
In early 2000 Air Canada was suffering major hits staring with 9-11 where their
business was in bad shape, then hit by SARS where Canadian airports were literally
empty of passengers for months, the airlines was privatized and stuck with lot of
penalizing contracts while American rival airlines were supported by the US
government.
-
The airline seems out of hope. However, a change in the business model focusing on
Airlines reward miles was major savior as this entity within Air Canada valued more
than 2 Billion of the airline itself.
If interested more, refer to Study case of Yale University entitled "Air Canada Selling the
Company by the Slice"
Can you name a business model (other than airlines) where Branding is important and
has high cost, and profit is not made from direct sales? If interested watch “ the
founder” movie…
2.3 Custom products.
Example Case study: Subsidized models:
-
-
Some airlines around the world are government owned or obtain government support.
Countries justify the benefit of this aid by boosting the economy of the country
especially the tourism sector... The example of Dubai / Abu Dhabi with Emirates /
Etihad is very illustrative.
Some airlines in GCC (ie: Qatar, Etihad etc... ) obtain government support on what is
accused by “Open Cheques" to grow fast... some of these airlines do not even pay for
fuel, they even tanker their fuel... this has led to some court cases from airlines and
governments due to this unfair trade principles:
Lufthansa filed a case in the EU against Etihad for the unfair trade.
Canada and UAE went into political tension due to this unfair trade where it
reached withdrawal of ON arrival visas for Canadians...
USA congress warned emirates, Etihad and Qatar on restricting their flight to USA
if transparency is not shown in their business models.
A common say in Aviation sector is "No one makes profit from flying aircraft" which is
true to a certain extent.
2.3 Custom products.
Many could think that the custom products and investment in branding is specific
to premium airlines only, is that true?
Can you think of casual (low cost) restaurant who have a strong branding when
compared to a fine dining (expensive) restaurant? a typical example could be
McDonalds...
low cost carrier might invest in branding and products to distinguish themselves if
this proved to be profitable, however the purpose tend to be more for money
savings.
Example Case study:
- Lakers Airways (1966 intercontinental low cost carrier)
- Ryan Air (custom product development)
2.3 Custom products.
Example case study: Lakers Airways (1966 intercontinental low cost carrier)
Laker Airways was the first low cost international carrier in the world, that
threatened many legacy airlines with its strategy that went against the flow… While
Airlines strive to provide the max comfort and luxury and use this in their
advertisement, Sir Freddie Lakers shook the aviation world in the 60th by cheap
flights with no luxury.
Fuel and money savings was achieved by multiple means… one of them was to have
basic cabin equipment with reduced seat pitching, minimal facilities from lavs to
galleys along with minimal equipment…
Lakers model is not limited to cabin, but
extend to aircraft operation. In spite of its
later failure, it became a standard even for
legacy airlines…
2.3 Custom products.
Example Case study: Ryan Air
Ryanair is a profitable Irish Low-cost airline that operates more than 300 Boeing 737
aircraft. it is strong enough to threatens legacy airlines around Europe and has
insanely squeezed cost savings to increase profits.
Part of cost savings are many "Smart to Crazy" custom products, below are some of
them:
-
-
-
Investing in custom seat design (focus is on light weight, no articulation
mechanism) to reduce weight on the expenses of passenger comfort in order to
meet their business model.
Investing in customization of cabin to use all possible areas for advertisement:
back seat as a billboard, OHSC doors, walls and partitions.
Investing on custom “payable” lavatories where you need to put coins in order to
use it... This is possible since there is no rule mandating to have lav on aircraft*…
(fortunately they decided to cancel this project).
* Existing CS 25 regulations mandate requirements of certifications in case there is a lav but does not mandate to have lavs.
2.3 Custom products.
(Mini case study)
For cabin products (Seats, Lavs, Galleys, Carpets etc…) What types of products (BFE,
SFE, Custom) would you select for Viet Nam Airlines? and why?
For cabin products (Seats, Lavs, Galleys, Carpets etc…) What types of products (BFE,
SFE, Custom) would you select for VietJet Air? and why?
Discuss the common choices selected for Viet Nam and Viet Jet.
Discuss the difference in choices selected for Viet Nam and Viet Jet.
4. Cabin interior lifecycle
The world fleet age of large commercial transport is estimated of around 12 years…
The number of aircraft exceeding 20 years of age is increasing with time…
An aircraft can remain in operation for a period that can exceed 30 years.
Iran’s Mahan Air is still operating a 747-400 of over 31 years old on a routine flight schedule!!!
4. Cabin interior lifecycle
During aircraft life, the cabin get renewed or
totally changed multiple times especially
when aircraft move from an operator to
another.
On average an aircraft cabin life cycle is 4 to
8 years. But could occur on even shorter
intervals or the opposite could happens
Wealthy airlines tend to change the cabin at
short duration while airlines in financial
trouble tries to stretch the period of change.
In between a change some airlines elect to
restore their cabin to initial mint conditions.
Picture on the right shows an example of how frequent Gulf Air
re-configured its fleet. Interval vary from yearly to 5 years
4. Cabin interior lifecycle
Cabin renovation programs could be made in order to meet one of the following:
- Integrate new products that follows the latest trends and technologies.
- Change the layout to accommodate more or less seating to match the airline business
model.
- Put old fleet in line with current fleet (in term of color and soft furnishings).
- Give the cabin its initial brand new look
Such projects are:
-
Cabin refresher programs.
Cabin refurbishments.
Cabin reconfigurations.
Integration of In flight entertainment / Live satellite TV.
Integration of mobile telephony and internet Connectivity.
Integration of other technologies related to maintenance.
4. Cabin interior lifecycle
4.1 Cabin refresher programs.
After few years of operation, cabin would look dull due to environment effects
(even if it is well maintained). colors will fade, fabric repetitively washed loose its
original appearance etc...
Some, airlines elect to refresh their cabin by replacing all upholstery (carpet,
curtains, seat covers...) and repaint the cabin and replace tedlar films etc... to
restore a fresh look.
this is not only made for appearance but also for comfort. For example airlines
could elect to change all seat cushions that became flattened and hard with years .
Such programs do not involve any change of the original products. All work is in
accordance with existing manuals and data.
4. Cabin interior lifecycle
4.2 Cabin refurbishments.
A refurbishment is a change in appearance that
involve soft furnishings material changes.
This would involve a change in upholstery
(carpet, curtains, seat covers...) and cabin
colors thru painting, and tedlar films
replacement.
the main common reason of such project, is to
put old fleet in line with new fleets.
Such project involve changes of the original
soft furnishing products. The aircraft layout
(LOPA) remains unchanged.
As material is changed, a modification and
certification is needed.
Generally these mods are classified as minor
thru an EASA Part 21J modification.
Etihad Cabin refurbishment (of initial owned aircraft by Singapore
Airlines) to be in line with Etihad Cabin definition
4. Cabin interior lifecycle
4.3 Cabin reconfigurations.
A reconfiguration could vary from a complete replacement of the aircraft cabin that
include everything, or it can be limited to a specific zone (ie: business class seat
replacement) or seat re-pitching... this can be also accompanied a refurbishment
program or a refresher program.
Airlines elect to have a reconfiguration program to integrate new products, and /or
to readjust seat pitching to meet demands based on its business model.
Such project involve removal and addition of new equipment along with a change
in the LOPA .
A modification and certification are needed.
Generally these mods are classified as major and require an STC (Supplement type
certificate) if done by companies other than airframe manufacturer (or major mod
from airframe manufacturer).
4.3 Cabin reconfigurations:
Example of reconfiguration project
In 2005 Gulf air went thru a full rebranding
thru consultants (Landor and Simon Lunn).
Its whole fleet was reconfigured and
refurbished to reflect the new brand… the next
slides shows the work carried by its
maintenance facility
Work consisted of integration of new products
and seating along with refurbishment.
The aircraft pre and post modification looks
totally different
4.3 Cabin reconfigurations:
Example of reconfiguration project
Pre modification LOPA and post modification LOPA showing new first class seating, and new
business class with zone area increased over the economy seating
4. Cabin interior lifecycle
4.4 Integration of In flight entertainment / Live satellite TV*.
In Flight Entertainment (IFE) systems are integrated on seats. Thus, a seat change
during reconfiguration generally involve an IFE change too (unless removed seat and
new seat have same IFE)...
Generally airlines tend to change the IFE system to introduce new systems which
might features bigger screens, higher resolution, better systems streaming, additional
features like Duty free, gaming etc...
Airlines might even introduce new technologies like live satellite TV where an antenna
is installed on top of the aircraft.. this would drive to a big structural modification...
Generally airframe manufacturer do not offer such modifications.
These mods are generally major mods as they involve structural and systems changes
and require an STC (Supplement type certificate).
*IFE and connectivity are avionics trade and not cabin, however configuration projects are
generally handled by cabin engineers.
4.5 Integration of mobile telephony and internet Connectivity*.
Similarly airlines might select to introduce internet connectivity /(if not existing), or upgrade
it is existing system for a faster internet connection (KU to improved KU band technologies,
or to KA band) along introduction of mobile telephony that enables passengers to use their
mobile phones during flight. This can be part of IFE system or a separate system.
Similar to IFE, airframe manufacturer rarely offer such modifications as retrofit.
These mods are generally major mods as they involve structural
and systems changes and require an STC (Supplement type
certificate).
*IFE and connectivity are avionics
trade and not cabin, however
configuration projects are generally
handled by cabin engineers
Evolution of connectivity onboard aircraft
5. Cabin maintenance definition and cost reduction challenge:
So far, we have explored how some airlines spend money generously on cabin.
Unfortunately, when it comes to maintenance, cabin engineers, like any other trade
(systems, structures, avionics or propulsion) operate under maintenance tight budget.
At the same time cabin appearance is the image of the airline. This means that
Interior engineers have to maintain cabin in the best possible way with the least
possible spending.
Cabin Definition budget
Cabin Maintenance budget
In the industry it is known that "Cabin engineers have to bake a cake from the shit"
5. Cabin maintenance definition and cost reduction challenge:
5.1 Peculiarity of Equipment and furnishing Maintenance VS Aircraft
maintenance (Systems, Avionics, Propulsion and Structure) concepts.
In order to understand how can this be realized, first we need to
understand what is peculiar about cabin versus other trades (systems,
structures, avionics or propulsion) in the following areas:
- Maintenance program.
- Standard to meet.
- In service issues.
- Manual quality.
- Out of Manual support.
- Logistics.
- Reliability.
- Performance.
- Warranty.
- OEM out of business.
- Customer abuse.
5. Cabin maintenance definition and cost reduction challenge:
Maintenance program:
The maintenance program Document (MPD)
provided by the airframe manufacturer covers
all requirement to ensure efficient operation of
aircraft in terms of safety and cost saving.
For interior trade the maintenance program is
not customized as each airline have different
cabin and products. And its requirements is
limited to emergency equipment expiry dates
and very few other requirement.
Unlike other trades (systems, structures,
avionics or propulsion) Cabin interior
engineers have to create and define their
routine maintenance programs.
Interior development engineer have to define
and create the routine maintenance for cabin
Other development engineers (Systems, avionics,
structures…) have the maintenance program
developed by airframe maker.
5. Cabin maintenance definition and cost reduction challenge:
Standard to meet.
In all trades, meeting airworthiness standard is satisfactory (carry mandatory
mods mandated by AD's or AOT’s).
Some airlines select to have a slightly higher standard to increase fleet readiness
(ie: for summer operation system engineer might elect to replace cooling pack
filter to ensure cooling is optimal) these customization are very limited and
minimal.
For Interiors, meeting the same standard is totally unsatisfactory...
A higher standard is needed to ensure a nice cabin look.
No airline Spend generous money on cabin to look out of shape during
operation…
5. Cabin maintenance definition and cost reduction challenge:
Standard to meet.
to explain better, here are some cases
that do not constitute an airworthiness
issue or even a defect but are generally
not acceptable for airlines:
-
Faded color on variable items.
Delaminated mirror.
Pen mark on wall.
Scratched surface.
Permanent coffee stain on meal tray
Lightly worn out carpet etc...
A standard far higher than airworthiness
is needed for cabin interiors.
Cabin standard
Operational readiness
Airworthiness
Standard level requirements for Cabin interior
5. Cabin maintenance definition and cost reduction challenge:
In service issues.
During aircraft life, issues and damages are faced in all trades.
In all trades other than interiors, the service engineer will refer to the aircraft
manual or component manual to rectify the defect thru repair or replacement.
In case repair is outside the limits, OEM is contacted to provide solution.
In case OEM was unable to provide support, airframe maker has the responsibility to
assist.
For interior engineer, similar approach is used with the following differences
especially for BFE products and custom products:
- Manual quality
- Out of Manual support
- Logistics
5. Cabin maintenance definition and cost reduction challenge:
In service issues.
Manual quality especially for BFE products and custom products lack the following:
- CMM's have very limited repair
options as OEM's tend to sell you
spares rather than repairing.
- CMM's content is incomplete, with lot
of missing data.
- Manual quality and format standard
could be far from any professional
documentation with many OEM's
Manuals for custom products are generally incomplete
with missing data and with limited repair instructions
5. Cabin maintenance definition and cost reduction challenge:
In service issues.
Out of Manual support
Some OEM's do not hold design approval, thus when they provide the airline with
a repair (if they provide), it will be the airline responsibility to get approval from
local authority or an EASA Part 21J design organization.
Some OEM ask to pay an advance cost to look into the airline request.(the silly part
is when you pay and OEM comes back to tell you it is unrepairable, replace the
component)
Similarly if the airframe manufacturer is approached on BFE or custom products,
whether for repair or approval the answer is in general negative. However for SFE
products things could be much easier
5. Cabin maintenance definition and cost reduction challenge:
In service issues.
Logistics
- Lead time of spares is very high as these products are custom to the airline and
manufacturer don't held spare but rather fabricate it on demand.
- In case the airline approach the OEM’s for better support in spares they answer
by providing a Recommended Spare part list (RSPL) with rocket price to purchase
as backup plan... Such approach is neither economical nor feasible.
5. Cabin maintenance definition and cost reduction challenge:
Reliability
- Aircraft reliability is monitored by Airframe manufacturer and suppliers (ie; an
engine issue is tracked by engine manufacturer and airframe maker, investigated,
and solution is provided to all affected operator)
- For interiors similar principles applies on SFE products but not for BFE and
custom products.
- For BFE and Custom products, Airframe maker is not concerned at all, OEM tries
to “escape from his responsibilities”. At best the OEM wait the airline to justify
for him that reliability of product is less than initially agreed. Thus, it is the
interior engineer responsibility to monitor and deep investigate reliability to
justify his claim to the OEM.
5. Cabin maintenance definition and cost reduction challenge:
Performance.
Performance of any component on aircraft (other than interior BFE and custom
products) is known as hundreds of operators with thousands of aircraft use the
same products during aircraft life that could reach decades...
In interior, BFE and SFE are limited to
specific operator with limited quantity
and during cabin life cycle that might
be limited to few years.
Custom product virtually never reach
maturity and their performance
remain unspecified.
The only sure fact is that they
underperform.
Custom products virtually never reach maturity since the life span of
cabin product is less than maturity time.
Additionally, the number of developed products is limited in quantity
5. Cabin maintenance definition and cost reduction challenge:
Warranty.
In all trades other than interiors, all parts have clear warranty conditions from
airframe makers and OEM with general terms of agreements... To a high extent any
warranty claim is paid…
In interiors especially BFE and custom product warranty terms are more like a
personal insurance, where there is always a clause which you are unaware of...
Consequently, warranty claim is many times revoked…
Even warranty on SFE products get rejected if related to abuse.
Interior warranty claim versus other trades (Systems, avionics, structures and propulsions) warranty claims
5. Cabin maintenance definition and cost reduction challenge:
OEM out of business:
In case an OEM is out of business (ie: bankruptcy or approval suspended etc…) the
airframe manufacturer has the obligation to support the product. Unfortunately, this
does not always apply in interiors.
Additionally, other companies generally fight to take over the out of market
company, as after sale support for widely spread products has a value of multi
million of USD…
In Interiors, especially custom and BFE products Airframe maker has no obligation to
support, and no other companies is interested to take over after sale support as it
not economically viable. The airlines then has to find at their expenses a solution:
Example to be discussed as study case:
- Koito Seats (Japan),
- Avio Interiors(Italy),
- Aabe Fabrics (Netherlands)
5. Cabin maintenance definition and cost reduction challenge:
OEM out of business: Unfaithful case of Koito
Koito Seats - Japan is a well-established seat supplier in the market for decades... the
company has gained over the years considerable market share of aviation seats.
in 2010 the aviation industry was shocked when The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau
(JCAB) announced that many of Koito seats are not airworthy.
More than 150,000 seats used on over 1000 aircraft varying from Airbus A300,
A310, A318, A319, A320, A321, A330 and A340 Boeing 717, 737, 747, 757, 767, 777
and McDonnell Douglas MD-11, DC-9, MD-88 and MD-90 are affected.
5. Cabin maintenance definition and cost reduction challenge:
OEM out of business: : Unfaithful case of Koito
The investigation with EASA revealed:
- Falsification of static, dynamic and flammability testing.
- Fictitious dynamic test.
- Plots inserted into test reports following failure to meet required certification
requirements.
- Flammability test coupons not representative of production parts.
- Fictitious deformation values entered in test reports when values exceeded the
maximum allowed.
- Length of time over which the falsification occurred extend for decades.
- Lack of retained records within Koito increase the suspects.
JCAB and EASA have concluded that all data (both design and manufacturing)
generated by Koito must be treated as suspect.
5. Cabin maintenance definition and cost reduction challenge:
OEM out of business: Unfaithful case of Koito
EASA issued AD 2011-0098 requesting airlines to replace
seats in 2 years or justify thru re-testing seat airworthiness.
Airbus and Boeing unified their efforts to support airlines
by validating the certification thru retesting.
This was limited to specific models offered as SFE or BFE
when applicable.
All Airlines who selected those as Custom products and
many others who selected seats as BFE, or retrofitted their
cabin with those seats were stuck in a disastrous situation
especially that procurement of any seat from market
would take at least 2 years...
Similarly, many airlines who selected koito seats for future
aircraft were obliged to delay their deliveries.
EASA AD 2011-0098
5. Cabin maintenance definition and cost reduction challenge:
Customer abuse.
In addition to all listed challenges, Customer abuse is very peculiar to cabin...
A passenger onboard a flight with plenty of dead time will try to explore each and every part
around him, some might even pick some stuff to take it home...
This can vary from small common things like blanket or
magazine or knife fork... To other items like life vests... Or
even strange things like passengers detaching monitor from
seats to take it!!!
Needless to mention a bored kid with a permanent marker
using his art skills on cabin items or even parents helping
their kids to draw…
https://viewfromthewing.com/shocking-video-showsparent-helping-child-draw-on-airline-seat-back-trays/
Customer abuse comes as the cherry on the top of the cake
of interior issues…
A mother helping her kid to
draw on the seat back
5. Cabin maintenance definition and cost reduction challenge:
With all the listed above, work of interior engineer is far harder than any other engineer
whether on mechanic level, shop level, service engineer level, design engineer level
etc...
Is it possible to overcome all these issue? and ensure low maintenance cost?
In the online course you will learn how interior engineers can successfully solve these
challenges.
BUT DOES IT REALLY WORTH TO WORK AS CABIN ENGINEER?
In spite of the tough stressful work in cabin trade, Interior engineers are generally paid
higher than other engineers, there are rare to find and there is a high demand on
them...
In case you become an interior engineer, you will not only have a well paid secure job,
but you will also benefit from a wide industry exposure along with lot of duty travels...
and benefits with endless invitations and presents from OEM’s... (be careful of bribes…)
7.Future of cabin interiors.
7.1 Overview of potential future product innovation
What to expect in near future on new aircraft clean sheet design?
Refer to below video explaining Airbus vision…
7.2 relationship between IMA/Communication and cabin
Can you identify the solid future bond between Aircraft IMA/AFDX/Network and cabin?
Would it make the Interior engineering Job easier or thougher?