Increasing global demand for air travel from growing regional economies has led to a rise in aircraft orders and deliveries. This combined with the modernisation of aircraft programmes and aircraft upgrades, is creating a booming aircraft interior industry, with UK companies at the forefront of design and manufacture.

Five of the world’s major design houses and various seating manufacturers are based here with hundreds more companies across the UK supplying into the major seat manufacturers, creating thousands of jobs and contributing millions to the economy.

The global interiors market is forecast to grow from $16.87 billion in 2016 to $29.16 billion by 2021* with the UK specialism emerging in design and certification, seating, galleys and monuments, lighting, soft furnishings, IFEC, insert equipment and fire and safety.

Market overview:

  • Typical First and Business Class seats can cost up to £250,000 to manufacture
  • Aircraft Interiors are replaced on average every 3-5 years
  • Five of the world’s major interior design houses are based in London
  • North America is the UK’s largest export market for aircraft seating
  • 11,000 aircraft are flying with UK patented emergency floor path lighting

 

Through its Aircraft Interiors Group (AIG), ADS is actively supporting the interiors industry in the UK. Made up of more than 140 UK aircraft interiors companies, the special interest group covers areas such as concept, design, production, repair and disposal. The group provides valuable opportunities for Members to engage with the interiors supply chain.

For the first time too this April, ADS will be showcasing Member capabilities by exhibiting at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. This leading annual exhibition brings together more than 14,000 senior aircraft interiors industry professionals, airlines and international press. It serves as a great opportunity to build contacts and increase business across this fast-growing market.

 

*MarketsandMarkets, 2016. Aircraft Cabin Interiors Market by Fit & Product Type – Global Forecast to 2021, s.l.: MarketsandMarkets.