Page 21 - Aircraft Interiors India -April-may 2024-fn

Q & A

of the cabin, has become a vancements in both technol- entertainment, and aesthet-
crucial element in the design ogy and aesthetics. Pas- ics to enhance the passenger
of new cabin layouts. senger-centric technologies experience.
Sustainability Focus: As now play a decisive role in
passengers in certain re- seat selection, evolving from Q - Going ahead, what are
gions are getting more and simple pneumatic cush- your predictions for the
more climate-conscious, ions with limited massage aircraft interiors market?
sustainability has become a functions a decade ago to A - All current indicators
paramount concern for many a diverse range of features suggest a sustained growth
airlines, particularly in Eu- such as heating, cooling, and in commercial aviation
rope and Japan. Airlines are perceived noise reduction. volumes and investments in
placing significant emphasis Innovations like Euphony, al- the short and medium term.
on reducing weight, sourc- lowing passengers to enjoy The market is expected to
ing bio-material and increas- in-flight entertainment with- further diversify across nu-
ing recyclability, with Safran out headphones, represent merous relatively small mar-
Seats taking a leading role in game-changing additions. kets. Notably, the landscape
these efforts. Simultaneously, the latest is witnessing a dichotomy,
generation In-Flight Enter- with basic economy evolving
Q - Airlines’ willingness to tainment (IFE) systems boast towards a more minimalistic
invest in aircraft interiors high-definition, larger, and approach, while first class
post-COVID, your com- more responsive touch- experiences are becoming
ments. screens, offering direct con- increasingly opulent.
A- Airlines are acutely aware nectivity to seats or personal The trends highlighted
that their onboard products devices for an enriched earlier, particularly the em-
constitute a crucial aspect entertainment experience. phasis on sustainability, are
of their brand identity. The In terms of aesthetics, cabin anticipated to persist and
realization that investing in interiors have shifted away even intensify. Sustainability
their brand translates into from the neutral esthetics is emerging as an urgent
a tangible return on invest- dominated by airframers, priority, and Safran is poised
ment is driving a significant featuring light grey window to lead the industry in navi-
commitment to enhancing panels and ceilings. The gating this transformative
aircraft interiors. Notably, introduction of high shells shift. The commitment to
impressive retrofit programs and suite doors has empow- maintaining a forefront posi-
Growth in Leisure Business undertaken by airlines like ered designers, providing tion aligns with the broader
Travel: The post-COVID Air India and Emirates serve greater creative freedom and trajectory of the aviation
traffic surge has been fueled as compelling evidence that enabling the development industry, as it continues to
by an increase in leisure carriers are steadfast in their of bolder cabins that convey evolve to meet the changing
business travelers who are determination to uphold and distinct brand identities. demands of passengers and
willing to pay extra for a elevate the quality of their Lighting has emerged as the imperative of environ-
more comfortable travel interior offerings. This proac- a key element in crafting mental respon-
experience. tive approach underscores stunning cabin interiors, sibility
Cabin Sub-segmentation: the industry’s recognition with modern aircraft like the
As airlines booking systems that a superior in-flight ex- A350 and B787 offering
evolve, complex cabins perience contributes not only opportunities for innova-
appear more evidently as to passenger satisfaction but tive lighting solutions.
opportunities for ancillary also to the overall perception This not only enhances
revenues. We are seeing of the airline’s brand, thereby the overall ambiance but
more and more airlines solidifying their commitment also provides airlines with
willing to create sub-seg- to sustained investment in unique branding possi-
mentations within a given, aircraft interiors. bilities widely embraced
creating distinct passenger across the industry.
experiences, catering to spe- Q - How has the technol- Together, these evolutions
cific passenger needs and ogy/styles in aircraft interi- underscore a commitment
boosting ancillary revenues. ors evolved over the years? to redefining air travel
The incorporation of “Elite” A - The landscape of aircraft standards by
front row monuments offer- interiors has undergone a seamlessly
ing a first-class experience notable transformation in blending
to passenger at front-end recent years, marked by ad- comfort,

www.aircraftinteriorstoday.com April / May 2024 21