■WILLIAM KWOK YAN-WING
Other than comfort, electronic convenience and fun as well as good food have now emerged as the basic demands of a modern and perhaps spoiled air passenger.
Traveling on a plane could be boring for some, and what's on offer on board has become increasingly a competition factor in the air traffic trade.
“People nowadays are more and more demanding, but they may still end up getting excited when they see a PSP charger or iPod charger on a jet, that they can still enjoy playing their own video games and listen to their favorite songs while flying,” said Rachel Ng Meng Eng, the Sales Co-ordinator of Melchers Aviation Technical Services PTE Ltd. The Germany-based company was trying to do business with more Asian airline companies, especially those in China.
Meanwhile air food can now be freshly cooked with what is called the induction heating unit, which is particularly designed for fresh cooking on board. The unit involves innovative technologies and needs expertise.
“We've spent years on the research project in cooperation with Airbus to find a new aircraft catering solution. The induction heating unit we’ve developed is a device cooking with gas. We provide many kinds of food for our passengers, including steaks and fish, mixed rice and noodle dishes, pizza and crisping up of bread, etc.,” said Gunter Gerberding, the sales director of Modular Gallery Systems.
Termed “aircraft interiors”, the new-age industry covers aspects of environmental psychology, architecture, product and furniture designs in addition to traditional decoration. Seating, seat interfaces, textiles, flooring, emergency equipment, food service equipment, food products, amenity kits and institutional design are all involved.
All such new designs were revealed at the Aircraft Interiors Expo Asia 2006, held recently at the Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Niche expertise, such as restaurants, cafeterias and medical facilities, are also needed in the design process. “In some countries, these specializations may require additional certification. The show is only aimed for people working in this industry, so it maybe hard for the public to understand the details,” said Julia Robinson, the public relations director of this Expo.
Manufacturers of textile products or electronic gadgets, catering for the airline industry, would also need to take cultural and geographical factors into account.
“Luxury experience for passengers is the generalized guideline for this business. Passengers expect choices. The future vision of this industry is to have companies with the luxury experience,”said Joseph Mitchell, the Creative Director of the Brand Environment UK Ltd.
People in the trade defined luxury as leading, private, exclusive and discreetly branded. “Aircraft interiors have to be luxurious,” said Mr. Mitchell.
He added that a lot of hard work was involved, as “aircraft interiors need to lead people who have already been leaders in their own industries.”
Edited by
MAGGIE GUO SHANSHAN