FACC delivers first entrance area for the new A320 Airspace cabin

FACC ranks among the world's leading suppliers of lightweight components and interiors for modern passenger aircraft. For more than 25 years, Airbus has ordered a major portion of the passenger cabin of its A320 family, today's most successful aircraft type, exclusively from FACC. With the first delivery of the complete entrance area of the A320 Airspace cabin, FACC is not only expanding its decades of successful partnership with Airbus, but is also broadening its product portfolio in the area of aircraft cabin interiors.

Despite the turbulence brought on by the corona crisis, the aviation industry is pursuing a clear strategy for the future: With high innovative power, it is consistently working towards making flying even more efficient, sustainable, safe and comfortable. As an international technology leader, FACC plays an important role in this regard. In mid-2018, Airbus commissioned FACC to develop and produce the entrance area of the Airspace cabin for the A320 models. After an intensive development phase, the first article parts have now been delivered to Airbus in Hamburg. Immediately after the first delivery, FACC will start the ramp-up of serial production.

"Airbus has placed its trust in FACC for the interiors of its A320 models. We have been working together as close partners for several years. I am delighted that we will be able to start series production shortly after delivery of this innovative interior solution that is new to the FACC product portfolio," reports Robert Machtlinger, CEO of FACC AG. The development work was carried out according to a tight schedule and considered very complex.

The completely redesigned entrance area of the A320 family boasts a high-quality design, has a sophisticated appearance, and makes important contributions to consistent weight optimization with innovative fiber composite materials. The cabin solution comprises the entire lining of the entrance and door area in the front, middle and rear sections of the aircraft. Through a sophisticated integration of the lighting system, called "Hero Light" and newly introduced by Airbus in the airspace cabin, a completely unique and pleasant interior atmosphere is created for the passengers - and this throughout from the entrance area via the main cabin to the rear service area of the aircraft cabin.

The entrance area is the first element passengers notice when boarding an aircraft. The sophisticated technical design of the components optimally implements the unique esthetic style as well as the high level of comfort and well-being offered by the new Airbus Airspace cabin, thus ensuring a compelling first impression. However, some things remain hidden to passengers from the outside: Thanks to the intelligent and innovative connection concept, maintenance times of aircraft technicians can be kept to a minimum, which in turn further increases the competitiveness of the aircraft. "The new concept enables us to significantly reduce service costs for our customers. In addition, we have geared the component design of the entrance area towards high volumes and modern production processes. The Airbus and FACC teams worked together perfectly during the entire development phase," states Andreas Furthmayr, Vice President Cabin Interiors of FACC AG, thus summarizing the joint development work. The first shipset comprising an Airspace entrance area and Hero Lights has now been delivered to Airbus in Hamburg, where it will be installed in a serial aircraft under the supervision of FACC. This is followed by the ramp-up of series production. The scope of the project ranges from the development and the entire procurement to production and the associated logistics.