My appointment as group editor of Aircraft Cabin Management came at an opportune moment, falling just before the Aircraft Cabin Innovation Summit organised by Red Cabin. The three-day event offered a fantastic introduction to the issues and personalities associated with an industry that covers all aspects of aircraft interior design and on-board passenger services.

From the problems faced by disabled passengers when they fly, to environmental issues, connected seats, supersonic travel and the role of design in the context of the on-board environment, the sessions proved to be a fascinating introduction to the aviation sector. Read our review of the proceedings starting on page 12.

Regular readers of the magazine may notice we have gone for a brand new look in 2020, with a more contemporary and appealing design. Alongside this, we have introduced a number of new elements, including a comment piece that in this issue comes from Airbus and a Design Update section featuring Air Astana, Japan Airlines and Jet Blue this time around, plus our big interview slot – in January we speak to Finnair’s GM for the UK, Ireland & Benelux.

Elsewhere, we’ve kept the in-depth technical features for which we’re justifiably renowned: our Seats section rounds up innovations from Recaro and New Territory, as well as a collaboration between Sekisui SPI, Tapis, MGRFoamtex and Butterfly Flexible Seating Solutions. Meanwhile, our Inflight Entertainment & Connectivity section looks at how digEcor’s acquisition of the Rockwell Collins brand has resulted in a new company entity known as Burrana; and Composites & Plastics examines a whole host of different materials currently being developed for use in aircraft interiors.

We hope you enjoy the new look – and don’t forget to check out our recently launched website at aviationbusinessnews.com featuring all the latest stories from across the industry.