Benelux: Aircraft Cabin Interiors Market Insights
Aircraft Interiors Expo
AIX is the definitive marketplace where everyone involved in developing the cabin interiors of the future needs to be.
The Benelux region is renowned for its rich aviation history and stands at the forefront of the aircraft cabin interiors industry.
Home to leading international companies such as Boeing and Bombardier, the Benelux region is celebrated for its pioneering spirit and exceptional craftsmanship. And the region is leading a transformative approach to aircraft cabin interior design.
This market insight draws upon the latest trends, challenges, and projections to give a brief overview of this dynamic industry.
Current Market Size
The past three to five years have heralded a transformative era in the global aviation sector, with the Benelux region emerging not merely as an observer but as a pivotal catalyst, redefining the air travel experience.
The aircraft cabin interiors industry within Europe has demonstrated robust growth, with estimations placing the market size northwards of €1 billion.
In the Benelux region, a shift towards environmental stewardship is also reshaping design paradigms. With a firm commitment to reducing ecological footprints, interior suppliers are engaging in pioneering collaborations with airlines.
Together, they're spearheading the search for sustainable materials and innovative design methodologies.
Aiming beyond mere regulatory compliance; KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ recent announcement is just one example. The carrier has expanded its bus service network, including the Schiphol route, as ‘part of a broader strategy to promote sustainability in the travel industry’.
This is no small feat considering that the Benelux plays host to one of the busiest airports in Europe by passengers carried.
At the same time, new and upcoming Belgian and EU laws and regulations will evaluate the European Commission Guidelines on State aid to airports and airlines. This will aim to determine if the transition period authorising operating aid to airports with fewer than 3 million passengers should be prolonged.
Key Market Players
In the realm of aircraft interior design, traditional approaches have long favoured conservative material selections, instead prioritising considerations like:
safety
regulatory adherence
and weight management
Yet, we are now entering a transformative period marked by the advent of advanced materials. These materials not only promise enhanced durability and weight optimisation but also offer unprecedented customisation options to align with passenger preferences.
Key market players from the Benelux at AIX this year include:
HSH Aerospace Finishes: a trusted provider of top-quality coatings and finishes for the aerospace industry
Vandewiele: the world’s biggest developer and producer of airplane carpet weaving machines and carpet finishing machines
EC Group: one of the leading manufacturers of complex composite products
SABIC: a strategic solution and material technologies provider for the aircraft industry
Future Metals: a leading supplier of aerospace-quality metals
Aviation Glass & Technology: suppliers of certified glass composite products to the global aviation industry
Belgraver: a leading manufacturer of plastic seat parts
Plus, the companies from the region will be showcasing a broader selection than composites and materials. Cabin interiors suppliers with other solutions also include:
LSEAT Engineering: offering cost-efficient retrofit kits for economy seating
Reell Precision Manufacturing: infinite Position-control & Motion-control adjustable parts in aviation seating and cabin parts
Aeroworks: an interior product design and manufacturing company
SHOU Solution: creators of an effective and sustainable, semi-dry cleaning system for cabin carpets
Systems providers from the Benelux include:
Gladi8tor: providing high-quality gaming experiences for passengers while monetising online behaviour
AirFi: offering a range of portable IFE, inflight retail, and connectivity solutions
Materialise: with dedicated aerospace production lines, industry-leading software, and specialist consultancy services
Challenges on the Horizon
While opportunities abound, challenges loom large for the industry. With the integrity of global supply chains in flux and navigating a landscape reshaped by the pandemic, companies must pivot swiftly to maintain the equilibrium between safety and sophistication in aircraft cabins. High capital investment in R&D and competition between global players will surely continue to intensify innovation.
The Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the horizons are bright for the Benelux aircraft cabin interiors arena. With sustainability, passenger-centricity, and advanced technology as guiding stars, industry pioneers are expected to double down on R&D investments.
This dedication will be instrumental in materialising cabin interiors that not only respond to current demands but anticipate future reconfigurations in passenger wants and needs.
For OEMs and suppliers alike, the Benelux region looks set to continue driving forward an industry hinged on precision, aesthetics, and attention to passenger desires.