Diehl Aviation and Swiss International Air Lines have completed the first installation of the Mechanical Lift System (MLS) on an Airbus A350 aircraft, marking the start of a wider retrofit program for the airline´s fleet.

The installation was carried out during a working party involving Swiss TechOps and specialists from Diehl Aviation’s Customer Service and On-Site Support. It is the first installation of the system on a European airline.

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The Mechanical Lift System reduces the force required to close overhead bins by up to 30 percent. During the modification, the joint teams carried out structural adjustments to bins and housings before reinstalling the units. A Part-145 audit completed prior to the project confirmed the required quality and process standards.

“With the Mechanical Lift System, we deliver practical operational improvements to aircraft already in service,” said Jörg Schuler, the CEO of Diehl Aviation. “Drawing on decades of service and aftermarket experience, we provide solutions that directly benefit airlines and their crews. In this case, the system reduces physical workload, fits seamlessly into existing cabins, and maintains operational reliability, showing our holistic approach to enhancing in-service aircraft.”