US low-cost airline JetBlue has taken delivery of its first A321LR aircraft with the FACC-designed Airspace cabin installed. The cabin elements developed by FACC for the new Airspace cabin of the A320 Airbus family, which are now in series production, are said to offer “state-of-the-art design, maximum comfort and innovative technologies”.
With the Airspace cabin, Airbus has upgraded the flight experience for passengers on its single-aisle aircraft to that of a wide-body aircraft. Those who have so far missed the special comfort of a long-haul flight experience on short-haul flights can now look forward to the widest single-aisle cabin on the market.
Feel-good ambiance
Commenting on the delivery FACC AG CEO Robert Machtlinger said: “The first components that the passenger sees when boarding are made by FACC. With its unique aesthetics, a technically sophisticated design and feel-good ambiance, the entrance area that we have produced ensures the new Airspace cabin will delight passengers from the very first moment.”
The interior system manufactured by FACC comprises the entire furnishing of the entrance area and door area in the front, middle and rear sections of the aircraft. Thanks to what FACC is calling the “sophisticated integration” of the innovative Hero Light, a lighting system introduced by Airbus in the Airspace cabin, passengers can enjoy a completely novel and pleasant interior atmosphere throughout the aircraft – from the entrance area through the main cabin to the rear service area of the aircraft cabin.
The extensive LED lighting system installed by FACC is not only eye-catching, but is also said to contribute to reducing jet lag.
Maximum comfort for passengers
Wider and more comfortable seats, together with new ergonomic side panels, provide exceptional long-haul comfort in the new A320 family Airspace cabin. The overhead stowage compartments provide 40 per cent more space: the Airspace XL bins, the largest overhead stowage compartments in the short and medium-haul class, can hold up to 60 per cent more luggage – eight pieces of hand luggage instead of the previous five, measuring 61 x 40.6 x 25.4 cm. Low weight, user-friendly handling, low operating costs and high reliability are described as the result of FACC’s sophisticated component concept. In addition to the bins, FACC is also supplying the ceiling panels, which not only function as furnishing, but also ensure uniform LED illumination of the entire cabin.
Innovations that save time and costs
FACC is also making an important contribution to consistent weight optimisation through the use of innovative fibre composite materials and new manufacturing technologies. These reduce fuel consumption, which in turn makes the aircraft more sustainable and economical.
In order to achieve the new Airbus cabin experience, FACC invested several million euros in a highly automated production line at its Upper Austrian site. “We launched the series production of the Airspace entrance area and the Hero Light at the end of last year. The series ramp-up is in full swing, and is once again setting standards during the roll-out of a new project,” commented FACC programme director of cabin interiors Christoph Zaunbauer.
“This marks a great success for the two teams from Airbus and FACC, who created a unique cabin solution on the market during their joint development work of several years for the successful A320 family”, he concluded.
Last month, FACC announced that it had created an antimicrobial surface coating for aircraft cabins, named Pure Cabin, said to offer passengers “a relaxed and carefree flight experience in compliance with the highest safety standards”.
