Aircraft Interiors Expo 2010 attracted 7316 visitors over the three-day run of the exhibition. The number of airline visitors increased on the previous year with 852 representatives from 200 airlines visiting the show.
The show's opening press conference set the stage for what visitors were able to see on the exhibition floor. Panellist Tim Clark, Emirates' president said: “This show is growing in stature and content every year.”
Exhibitors backed up Clark's praise for Aircraft Interiors Expo by continuing to show their innovative streak with a raft of announcements and new product launches. Some of the highlights included: • Qatar Airways' deal with Thales to equip up to 60 Boeing 787s with its broadband connectivity services
• First time exhibitors, Optimares, whose stand included a giant airline seat and passenger, introduced a business class seat that has a curved privacy barrier built into the headrest
• Airbus demonstrated a functional prototype of its SPICE (space innovative catering equipment) galley cart, which has now been tested by a number of airlines. The SPICE galley replaces the traditional catering trolley with lightweight boxes and foldable carts for service
Other events during the show included a special presentation of all the Crystal Cabin Award winners. This took place in the Crystal Cabin Award gallery and gave winners the chance to explain in person more about their winning entries. The exhibition also played host to the second World Airline Awards ceremony which saw Asiana win the highly coveted Airline of the Year award. Reed Exhibitions Group exhibition director, Ian Crawford, said: “A trip to Hamburg during Aircraft Interiors Expo offers cabin interiors buyers the opportunity to maximise their time and see a wide range of suppliers and new products all under the same roof. It really is worth their while and we've been very encouraged with the continuing support from airline visitors this year.”
The next Aircraft Interiors Expo takes place from 5-7 April 2011 at the Hamburg Messe.
www.aircraftinteriorsexpo.com
