Gallery: New Cabin Modification Options from AIX 2022

Pexco Aerospace has developed a new component called AirShield that can be installed over the top of existing passenger air vents to create what it says are “protective air barriers” around and in between passengers by repurposing purified air from the aircraft’s HEPA filtration systems. It says AirShield will be easy to install and does not require airframe modifications or special tools. The product has already undergone on-wing testing with several global airlines, and Pexco says it expects FAA certification soon.

Thales introduced its latest generation inflight entertainment (IFE) system, Avant Up, which features an improved display and smart charging for passenger devices. Avant Up uses Thales’ Optiq displays, which enable 4K QLED high dynamic-range pictures. Thales says Optiq is available for retrofit and that installation can be performed on wing. The displays are also available for line-fit.

Avant Up also includes Pulse, a power system for personal electronic devices that Thales says allocates energy more efficiently. The modular system is compact, provides a 30% weight reduction, lower heat dissipation and can be installed between seat beams.

HAECO Cabin Solutions and Diehl Aviation introduced three cabin upgrade products at AIX 2022. The first is Aft-Simplex, a single-aisle aft-lavatory and galley complex. HAECO says the simplified complex improves density by enabling the addition of up to six seats in single-aisle aircraft. It says Aft-Simplex is at least 155 lb. lighter than comparable solutions from other suppliers and, when installed in combination with its Vector Light seats, can reduce overall aircraft weight by up to 800 kg (approximately 1,764 lb.)

The companies have also collaborated on a new configuration option for HAECO’s premium Eclipse seat. The product combines the Eclipse seat with what HAECO says is a “unique floor-to-floor solution” designed by Diehl to enable the seats to be installed in a five-abreast configuration.

HAECO and Diehl have also partnered on an enlarged Boeing 737 overhead bin product. HAECO says the bin’s design enables installation without modifying the aircraft structure or passenger service unit interfaces. It says the bin is also lighter weight than current products.

STG Aerospace has released the newest version of its photoluminescent floor path marking system, saf-Tglo. The new version, saf-Tglo SSUL-X, features several upgrades, including an edge-to-edge color feature that STG says eliminates floorboard visibility and reduces the view of dirt, as well as a wider color, matte and finish palette.

The product can be installed on all aircraft types and widths under a single supplemental type certificate pack. STG says it has simplified installation by providing cut guides and an online installation guide, which enable installation time of one hour on a typical single-aisle aircraft. The system is certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and FAA.

Panasonic Avionics launched its new Astrova seatback IFE system, which features 4K OLED screens with high dynamic range, USB-C power and programmable LED lighting. According to Panasonic, the system will weigh around 30% less than contemporary systems, which will help reduce carbon footprint. Astrova has been designed as a modular system, so Panasonic says the peripheral bar containing the screen’s controls can be changed in two minutes with minor certification and the screen can be changed in approximately five minutes. The system will be available as a retrofit option and Panasonic is in talks with OEMs about line-fit options.

Airbus introduced a new retrofit option for larger overhead luggage bins on A320 family aircraft. The design, called L Bin, simplifies the installation process compared to Airbus XL Bins, which the OEM first launched with American Airlines in 2019. According to Airbus, the retrofit process for L Bins is 30% cheaper and requires 3-5 days for installation, compared to seven days for XL Bins. The installation is simplified because the L Bin retrofit does not involve replacing ceiling panels or lighting hardware. The L Bin provides 51 liters of bag storage per passenger, compared to 33 liters in a conventional A320 cabin and 57 liters in the XL Bin.

UK-based MRO Jetglow Aircraft Refurbishments and Part 21J design organization Aerospace Engineering Solutions (AES) introduced aftermarket scratch panes for the cabin sidewall panels on Boeing 737s. The panes consist of a protective screen that protects the aircraft’s windows from damage and contaminants. The companies say the scratch panes will be high-volume replacement parts that can be manufactured and supplied to airlines and MROs at aftermarket prices.

Intelsat launched a new inflight connectivity (IFC) product based on electronically steered antenna technology, which has the capability to interoperate with its established geostationary satellites as well as its new low-earth orbit and medium earth orbit satellites. Intelsat says the low profile of the IFC system’s 3.5-in. high terminal will reduce drag, fuel burn and carbon emissions.

The system features a modular design from Stellar Blu Solutions, which Intelsat says will enable simplified maintenance and access. Intelsat says the system can be installed on a wide range of commercial aircraft. It expects the first installation to take place on a Bombardier CRJ-700 later this year, with production installations happening approximately one year later.

Astronics introduced CabinAXe, its newest generation cabin wireless access point (CWAP). It says CabinAXe is the industry’s first Wi-Fi 6E enabled CWAP, meaning it can not only support all previous Wi-Fi bands and standards, but also future classes of personal electronic devices and Internet of Things applications.

CabinAXe is certified for retrofit installations and it is compatible with Astronics’ full Summit Line of inflight entertainment and connectivity components.