Chinese aerospace group AVIC has combined its cabin equipment subsidiaries in a new, dedicated interior products division.
The unit, named AVIC Cabin Systems, comprises Chinese companies Fesher Aviation Components and Jiatai Aircraft Equipment, Austrian composites specialist FACC, and UK-based suppliers AIM Altitude and Thompson Aero Seating.
AIM Altitude – which supplies galleys and premium monuments such as bars – says the new division will be headquartered in London and "deliver every requirement for the cabin interior".
AVIC acquired AIM Altitude and Thompson in 2016, and took control of FACC in 2009.
AIM Altitude's chief executive Richard Bower states that the Bournemouth-based company is "already working closely with Thompson Aero Seating to provide front-row monuments that integrate seamlessly with the seating".
He foresees that the "new and expanded collaboration under AVIC Cabin Systems will further strengthen our position in the aircraft interiors space".
Demand for premium monuments is "rapidly" expanding, adds Bower, as "airlines want creative interiors; a luxury, comfortable feel; and for flights to become a more sociable experience for passengers".
Thompson Aero Seating specialises in first- and business-class seats, while Jiatai supplies economy-section equipment. Fesher, meanwhile, holds the contract for the full interior on the Comac ARJ21 and C919, it says.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
