Added extras for the kitchen

Galley areas on aircraft have to make maximum use of a small space to function effectively. Aerospace Manufacturing reports on new advances from AIM Altitude.

AIM Altitude’s new prototype galley is packed with many innovative features. The cabin interior specialist carried out extensive research into the requirements of airlines, passengers and the crew who work around the galleys. From this research, new features were conceptualised and then designed for a fully-functioning aircraft.

Zoe Wenn, industrial designer at AIM Altitude in New Zealand, explains: “The new features will need further research and refinement, but they’re a good indication of the possibilities for the very near future. We’ve focused on testing the features and getting first-hand feedback from airlines for us to continue to refine and improve the design. Our intent would be to include some of these features on our next generation baseline galleys.”

Much effort was made in understanding the needs and aspirations of all involved in the airline industry. AIM Altitude undertook stakeholder studies – engaging with cabin crew, maintenance and catering personnel. Observational flights were also conducted, focusing on the galley area on long-haul flights.

Wenn continues: “The Door 2 galley is the main entry point for the majority of passengers. We believe it’s important, therefore, that the galleys exhibit form as well as function. Galleys also take a great deal of heavy use, so need to be very robust. It was this ethos of combining aesthetics with purpose that gave us many of our ideas and solutions.”

The new galley’s pantry is one of the most novel concepts in terms of form and function. A innovative way to store galley equipment, the pantry has been designed to mimic the smooth-rolling and easily accessible design cupboards found in many modern domestic kitchens.

The new galley - presented for the first time at this year’s AIX Hamburg Interiors show - focuses on three main areas: replaceability, aesthetic enhancements, and functional enhancements.

Durability is important for galleys, but there comes a point where even the most hard-wearing items will need replacing. This is a particularly crucial aspect for cost implications on baseline galley options, where replacement of small components is preferable to complete renovation.

AIM’s galley includes a clip-on trim system that allows for simple replacement of damaged trim. The material even reduces galley noise by absorbing the contact sounds of items hitting the galley carcass. Trim colours can be customised to meet an airline’s brand requirements and to quickly update the look of the galley.

Predefined panels have been made customisable by AIM Altitude and also removable. This means that décor panels are easily interchangeable if they become damaged. Removable compartment shelves allow future configurations and service changes.

To disguise the workings of the galley area when passengers are embarking and disembarking, AIM Altitude utilises simple roller blinds. These can be customised in terms of colour and it is even possible to laser cut specific brand designs or patterns.

Following feedback from cabin crew, AIM Altitude has worked to make greater use of space. A pull-out table has been designed to be recessed away completely, but to align flush with the galley work surface when deployed – this is major advance over traditional pull-out tables that create a lip and height difference often resulting in slips and spills. A hinged sink-cover shuts flat to extend the workable surface, with a rubber seal for hygiene and ease of maintenance.

All of the above is aimed at the baseline galley models, but AIM Altitude has gone further in creating new concepts for premium galleys. Innovations have been designed to bring greater functionality and aesthetics to this area of the cabin interior.

Slam-style paddle latches have been developed to provide a clean and continuous aesthetic for cart and compartment doors. For a completely clean entry presentation, AIM Altitude has designed concealing doors, which fold and slide into a discreet compartment while the galley is in use.

The premium galley architecture also allows for add-ons up to a cart wide to create unique destination features or brand panels bespoke to an airline’s needs.

“Whilst pushing the boundaries, we need to keep our developments realisable to bring genuine value and benefits to stakeholders,” Wenn concludes. “Our range of developments and features for the galley act as parts of the whole. An airline can select just one feature, or several working together.”

www.aimaltitude.com