Institute of Aircraft Cabin Systems

Subsequent to de-regulation at the end of the 80s cabin interior and passenger services aboard of an aircraft have become decisive factors in commercial aviation. The airliner cabin and its equipment is the central part of an air travel and thus the best advertisement for any airline. Due to fierce competition for customers the most appropriate in-flight services must be offered, but they must remain in accordance with the specific airline business model.

The business model of a Low-Cost Carrier on the one hand is characterized by sustained and increasing pressure on costs. The cabin layout is optimized to contain a maximum number of seats and the offered cabin technology is pared down to a minimum. For a long haul model on the other hand different categories are provided, and, in a first-class luxury compartment services and equipment do not really differ from a top class hotel. Spaciousness, privacy, undisturbed sleep, in-flight entertainment, a PC workplace, lighting, climate and and minimal noise are of prime importance. At the same time the cabin crew needs optimum working conditions in the cabin in order to offer perfect services at any time to their customers.

An aircraft manufacturer has to consider all these various requirements and find technical solutions. Intensive research and development enables the company to overcome existing technology limits more quickly and to create the next generation cabin systems. Hamburg’s aviation industry has developed to a centre of particular competence for aircraft cabins and cabin systems. Airbus Deutschland GmbH has funded a professorship at Hamburg University of Technology. The new Institute of Aircraft Cabin Systems is based at the Technology Centre Hamburg-Finkenwerder and has the following fields of activity in research and education:

  • Cabin Interiors and Non-Electrical Systems
    (ATA 21, 25, 26, 35, 38 und 50)
  • Cabin electrics and lighting
    (ATA 24 und 33)
  • Cabin electronics, communication, information and entertainment systems
    (ATA 23, 42, 44, 45 und 46)
  • Cabin and passenger processes and safety & security issues
    (IATA, ICAO)