AVIC Cabin Systems unites subsidiaries

By July 26, 2018 May 21st, 2020 Featured, General News

China’s AVIC Group has aligned its cabin interiors portfolio under one umbrella with the creation of AVIC Cabin Systems.

The new holding company integrates AIM Altitude, based in Bournemouth, UK; Thompson Aero Seating in Northern Ireland; Fesher Aviation Components Company Ltd, and Jiatai Aircraft Equipment Co Ltd, both Chinese companies; and Austria-based FACC. AVIC Cabin Systems itself will be headquartered in London, UK.

In combination, the companies forming AVIC Cabin Systems deliver every requirement for the cabin interior, from AIM Altitude’s premium monuments, social spaces, bars and galleys, to first and business-class seating by Thompson Aero Seating, economy seating from Jiatai, and interiors and composites by Fesher, FACC and AIM Composites.

The partnership is expected to create added value in the integrated product and competence, portfolio, an expansion of existing business relationships within the customer network, the establishment of a platform to develop the interior standards of tomorrow and a global service network across all areas.

According to Richard Bower, CEO of AIM Altitude, “For our premium monuments and social spaces in particular, the market is expanding rapidly. Airlines want creative interiors, a luxury, comfortable feel, and for flights to become a more sociable experience for passengers. We are already working closely with Thompson Aero Seating to provide front-row monuments that integrate seamlessly with the seating. We believe that this new and expanded collaboration under AVIC Cabin Systems will further strengthen our position in the aircraft interiors space.”

While FACC mainly operates as a development and manufacturing partner of aircraft manufacturers (OEMs), other partners have direct business relationships with airlines. This opens up additional new possibilities for FACC both in the original equipment segment and in direct customer relations with airlines. The aim is to be able to offer complete solutions from a single source, from the entrance area through to the galley and the master cabin. This applies to both the complete original equipment of aircraft and the retrofit, repair and service market, which is covered by FACC’s new “Aftermarket Services” unit.

The participating companies operate production facilities on four continents: America, Asia, Australia and Europe. “AVIC Cabin Systems will not only strengthen our position in the OEM business, but will also provide essential support in developing and expanding our newly launched Aftermarket Services. This will enable us to offer our customers the best on-site service around the clock and all over the world,” emphasised Robert Machtlinger, CEO of FACC AG.

At Farnborough Air Show, launching AVIC Cabin Systems, Liu Xiaoming, Chinese Ambassador to the UK (pictured), said, “Two years ago, in the opening year of the China-UK ‘Golden Era’, I attended the Ceremony of AVIC International’s Acquisition of AIM Altitude. I had the honour to witness a new chapter for China-UK cooperation on aviation. Today, as the ‘Golden Era’ shifts into a higher gear, it is exciting to witness the launch of AVIC Cabin Systems and see China-UK cooperation on aviation moving up to a new level.”


Written by: Alexander Preston

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