As one of the leading technology groups in the aerospace industry, FACC brings more innovation, efficiency, sustainability and comfort into the sky. FACC is also collaborating on thet A320 Family Airspace cabin as a development and manufacturing partner of Airbus, and is setting new standards for the interior of passenger aircraft with its innovative components for the entrance area, overhead stowage compartments and ceiling panels. In the future, passengers of the US-based airline JetBlue will be able to enjoy a new level of passenger experience in single-aisle aircraft, also due to latest innovations provided by FACC. JetBlue has now taken delivery of its first A321LR aircraft with the first Airspace cabin installed.
The cabin elements developed by FACC for the new Airspace cabin of the A320 family of the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus, which are now in series production, offer design, maximum comfort, innovative technologies - and much more besides. With the Airspace cabin, Airbus has upgraded the flight experience for passengers on its single-aisle aircraft to that of 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. The new, futuristic-looking aircraft cabin was first delivered to the launch customer JetBlue on 29 April 2021.
Feel-good ambiance from the very first moment
“The first components that the passenger sees when boarding are made by FACC,” emphasizes Robert Machtlinger, CEO of FACC AG, with some pride. “With its unique aesthetics, a technically sophisticated design and a high feel-good ambiance, the entrance area produced by us ensures that 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 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 also contributes to reducing jet lag.
Maximum comfort for passengers, more stowage space for luggage
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 providing 40 percent more space also have a lot to offer: the Airspace XL bins, the largest overhead stowage compartments in the short and medium-haul class, can hold up to 60 percent more luggage - eight pieces of hand luggage instead of the previously five, measuring 61 x 40.6 x 25.4 cm. Low weight, user-friendly handling, low operating costs and high reliability are 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.
FACC innovations that save time and costs
The Airspace cabin not only impresses with its refined and futuristic design: FACC is making an important contribution to consistent weight optimization through the use of innovative fiber composite materials and new manufacturing technologies. These reduce fuel consumption, which in turn makes aircraft more sustainable and economical. Some things, however, remain hidden to passengers from the outside: FACC delivers airspace components as turnkey solutions, and thanks to an intelligent and innovative connection concept, installation times for aircraft technicians can be kept very short, which further increases the competitiveness of the aircraft.
In order to realize this extraordinary 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,” said Christoph Zaunbauer, FACC program director cabin interiors. “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.” As a result, outstanding design features and the highest level of comfort, combined with greater efficiency, will be implemented in an increasing number of aircraft: for a travel experience that makes all the difference.
