Innovation, future trends and visionary cabin concepts take centre stage as the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) celebrates its 25th anniversary in Hamburg from 14 to 16 April.
The world’s leading trade show for cabin technologies strikingly demonstrates how airlines, aircraft manufacturers, research institutions and start-ups are rethinking the way we travel — from immersive passenger experiences and digital services to smart surfaces, sustainable materials and holistic system solutions.
For the media, AIX offers a rare concentration of visually striking world premieres and forward-looking developments that will shape the coming years of aviation.
Hamburg is not merely in the spotlight as the host city for AIX. The region is widely regarded as a global hotspot for the cabin industry.
Ralf Gust, Managing Director of Hamburg Aviation, said:
With the 25th anniversary of the Aircraft Interiors Expo, we are demonstrating impressively why Hamburg has been the global centre of innovation for cabin development for decades. The combined strength of companies, research institutions and ambitious start-ups makes our metropolitan region the driving force behind sustainable, digitally connected and passenger-centred aviation of the next generation — a step forward that we are celebrating together with the Crystal Cabin Award and the CabinSpace Live panel sessions.
Archana Dharni, Event Director of Aircraft Interiors Expo, added: “The Crystal Cabin Award celebrates innovation, creativity, and excellence in aircraft interiors, and we’re delighted to support this milestone of ingenuity in aviation. Each year, the awards inspire companies to push the boundaries of design, technology, and passenger experience.
“This drive for excellence reflects everything AIX is about, bringing the industry together to explore new ideas, showcase the latest innovations, and shape the future of cabin experiences. For us, the awards are an important way to recognise the people and ideas redefining what’s possible in aviation and elevating the passenger journey.”
As the aviation cluster for the Hamburg metropolitan region, Hamburg Aviation (Stand 6C89b) is represented at AIX alongside the ZAL Centre for Applied Aviation Research. A highlight of the stand: ZAL presents an exciting exhibit from the DrumView project, which is developing an AI-based solution for detecting damage to cabin elements. The project is also in the spotlight as a finalist in this year’s Crystal Cabin Award.
A key highlight of the programme is the Crystal Cabin Award ceremony on 14 April. Twenty-four finalists from around the world will compete in eight categories, including, for the first time, entries in the new ‘Breakthrough Start-ups’ category. This category shines a spotlight on young companies and new ideas in cabin development.
In addition, the CabinSpace Live Sessions on 15 April will focus on current topics such as market entry strategies for start-ups, certification processes, long-haul comfort, accessibility and digital services. The panels bring together leading experts from industry, research and associations, including Airbus, Porsche Consulting, APEX, Diehl Aviation, ZIM Aircraft Seating, Thales, Flying Disabled, GMI-Green Mobility Interior and SMALLrevolution.
Industry-driven innovations from Hamburg and the international aviation sector are also prominently featured at AIX. Airbus (Stand 5A20) is showcasing its latest cabin concepts for the A320 family, the A350 and the A220, and is a finalist in the Crystal Cabin Award 2026 with two projects — the Airspace A350 First Class Cabin Concept and the Airspace U Suite. At Stand 6A90 Lufthansa Technik is presenting the “Nice Intellitable”, a new form of integrated user interface based on hidden-touch display technology. In addition, the company is providing an update on the progress of AeroSHARK certification for the A330 fleet, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions by minimising aerodynamic drag.
Diehl Aviation (Stand 7D20) is offering its current and upcoming portfolio under the slogan “IMAGINE — you inspire, we create”, with a particular focus on integrated cabin and system solutions. These include the Space³ lavatory with the AURS assistance system, which provides visual and auditory guidance for improved accessibility and won the Crystal Cabin Award in 2025. In addition, the company is showcasing approaches to weight reduction, modern cabin surfaces and lighting, system integration and flight safety architecture.
Whilst many companies are displaying product-oriented innovations and solutions at AIX that are due to be launched soon, the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) is deliberately looking further into the future, exploring research approaches that go far beyond current cabin concepts and will shape long-term developments across the entire passenger environment. The DLR (Stand 6C102) is presenting several research-based exhibits. These include a virtual reality environment for collaborative cabin design from the ARCADIA project, safety and structural models from the Institute of Construction Methods and Structural Technology, and an interactive infection risk model from the Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology. In cooperation with Diehl Aviation, modular system approaches for a future generation of cabins will also be presented.
As the world’s leading supplier of high-performance cabin coatings, Mankiewicz from Hamburg-Wilhelmsburg once again underlines its role as a market leader in coating solutions and demonstrates how innovative surface solutions can modernise entire fleets efficiently and sustainably. At Stand 7E40, the company is showcasing solutions for the efficient modernisation and maintenance of cabin interiors under the motto “Repaint. Refinish. Revive.” solutions for the efficient modernisation and maintenance of cabin interiors. The products range from durable coatings for armrests and materials for repairing deep damage to lightweight topcoat systems for complex components. The aim is to extend service life, reduce costs and enhance the visual appeal of fleets whilst maintaining consistent quality.
ADDEV Materials (Stand 6F78) is presenting a wide range of specialist materials for cabin applications, including technical films, cleaning and disinfectant products, adhesives and coatings. The focus is on the ADDEV PROTECT 510 protective film, which protects surfaces from dirt and mechanical damage during installation or maintenance and can be removed without leaving any residue. In addition, the ZIP-CHEM product line will be showcased, which is used worldwide in MRO and cabin processes.
The skills and qualifications network HCAT+ is sending a special message to the next generation. In cooperation with Hamburg Aviation and Hanse-Aerospace e. V., the association is organising a career orientation day for schoolgirls and students on 16 April 2026 at AIX. In two sessions, participants will gain a comprehensive insight into Hamburg as an aviation hub, its international significance, as well as career paths, job opportunities and qualification requirements within the industry. On guided tours, they will visit selected exhibitor stands, experience the diversity of the aviation industry first-hand and have the opportunity to discuss training and career entry directly with experts on site.
Networking Centre: Hamburg Lounge
Partners of the Hamburg Aviation cluster and the Hanse-Aerospace SME association will gather in the Hamburg Lounge (Stand 6C90, Hall 6). The lounge serves as a meeting place for discussions, networking and inspiration – and also offers insights into Hamburg’s structure as a globally recognised aviation hub.
Accompanying events: Experience industry trends
AIX is part of a comprehensive programme of events: it kicks off with the Passenger Experience Conference (13 April), which will feature keynotes and panels addressing topics such as personalised services, accessibility and AI in cabin technology. In the IFEC Zone (Halls B2–B4), the focus is on in-flight entertainment and digital solutions. The CabinSpace Live programme provides up-to-date, first-hand market insights.
Running in parallel is the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) – the leading trade fair for in-flight catering and service concepts. The Taste of Travel Theatre features live cooking demonstrations, expert panels and insights into culinary trends on board.
Media
Journalists are warmly invited to visit AIX 2026 and experience the innovative strength of Hamburg as an aviation hub for themselves. Hamburg Aviation will be available during the fair for interviews, background discussions and further information.
Registration
Media representatives can register for the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2026 here: https://www.
About Hamburg Aviation
Hamburg Aviation is the aviation cluster of the Hamburg metropolitan region – one of the world’s leading locations for civil aviation. Almost 49,000 skilled workers are employed here in over 300 companies along the entire value chain: from aircraft construction and maintenance to aviation research, cabin technology and urban air mobility. Hamburg Aviation connects industry, science, universities, associations and politics in order to efficiently put innovations, products and services into practice. A particular focus is placed on sustainable technologies and digital solutions. In 2008, Hamburg Aviation was awarded the title of ‘leading edge cluster’ by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and since 2014 the cluster has held the GOLD label of the European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis (ESCA).
Featured image credited to Mary Kirby
