Inflight editor Alexander Preston summarises the latest happenings across IFEC and cabin technology.
The Paris Airshow at Le Bourget, a mecca for avgeeks from around the world, opens its doors next week.
This year Paris is the stage to celebrate Airbus’ 50th birthday. The static display will feature an airBaltic A220-300 and an A330neo flight-test aircraft. In addition, on Tuesday 18 June the first A321neo single-aisle aircraft destined for La Compagnie will showcase its all-business class cabin with 76 full-flat seats on transatlantic flights.
Embraer too will celebrate its 50 year anniversary with a large exhibition area that includes state-of-the-art aircraft in static and in-flight display, as well as a pavilion dedicated to Embraer’s history during half of a century in the aviation industry.
Among the aircraft the Brazilian company will showcase is its new E195-E2, Embraer’s second-generation commercial jet family and the Praetor 600, executive jet for the super-midsize category.
With a formal launch expected later this year, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation is debuting the cabin interior of the SpaceJet M100, the latest addition to the SpaceJet family of aircraft (the commercial name for the product family that includes the SpaceJet M90 previously known by the developmental designation of MRJ90).
“The Mitsubishi SpaceJet family represents our plan to redefine the business of regional air travel,” said Hisakazu Mizutani, president, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation. “This is a commercial segment where we see great opportunity,” he added.
The SpaceJet M100 offers the most spacious and comfortable cabin in its class to drive improved passenger experience, designed to boost airline passenger loyalty through a superior experience. The aircraft features the widest and tallest cabin in its class, the roomiest economy seat and the most overhead bin capacity – one roller bag per passenger, eliminating the need for gate-check. Its cabin will feature the latest technologies and amenities, both improving passenger experience and creating more opportunity for ancillary revenue generation for airlines.
“The regional market is an attractive one, full of untapped growth potential,” said Alex Bellamy, chief development officer, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation. “Millions of people around the world rely on regional air travel to get to where they need to go. There is no reason that their experience as passengers should not be as good as or better than on a mainline flight. The SpaceJet family provides the missing link in a curb-to-curb experience for the next generation of travellers, while bringing a higher level of value to a neglected and undervalued market segment.”
If you’re attending the Airshow do look out for our colleagues from LARA magazine and be sure to check LARA’s Twitter and online news pages for regular updates as they happen.
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