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Crystal Cabin Award finalists announced
The finalists for the Crystal Cabin Award 2012 have been decided, following weeks of deliberation by the 23 international experts of the judging panel. In total, 58 nominations have been considered, with points assigned for criteria such as innovation, practicality, added value for airlines, and comfort for passengers. 18 products and concepts from seven different countries have made it to the final.
The largest number of nominations in the six categories are for innovations from Germany and the USA. The six trophies will be presented, as they have been for six years, in association with the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, on the evening of 27 March, 2012. The following morning, the winners will be presented to visitors to the trade fair in the Crystal Cabin Award Gallery (Hall B1, Stand A20).
Visionary Concepts
In the new 'Visionary Concepts' category, Almadesign from Portugal, Diehl Aircabin from Germany and Zodiac Aerospace from Mexico won over the judging panel with their futuristic cabin concepts. With the LIFE concept, Almadesign has combined the latest technology with sustainable, natural materials in a business jet. Passengers who have always gone to the lavatory to get changed on board will be happy to hear of Diehl Aircabin’s suggestion: a separate, flexible changing room installed at the entry to the aircraft where it doesn’t cost any valuable space (pictured above). Zodiac Aerospace counters the space problem with the Genesis Seat Concept, a unique folding system.
Premium Products
In the second new category, 'Premium Products', the race looks to be just as exciting. C&D Zodiac from the USA, EMTEQ, also from the USA, and JPA Design from England are competing for the coveted trophy. C&D Zodiac’s C3 Ultralounge (pictured left) offers premium passengers a variety of seating positions with a unique seating arrangement. EMTEQ has developed a state-of-the-art lighting tile. And JPA is arranging the seats in Cathay Pacific’s New Business Class suite so that they look away from the aisle, creating more privacy.
Industrial Design & Technical Concepts
Interesting innovations with a technical focus have made it to the final in the 'Industrial Design & Technical Concepts' category. The Essence Inserts Collection from B/E Aerospace in the USA consists of 10 individual products for the galley, united in design. BrailleWise from the Public Design Lab at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (left) offers physical and psychological relief to the visually impaired with a braille molding for the lavatory walls. Dragonfly from France’s Sicma Aero Seat, meanwhile, is the lightest seat currently on the market for short and medium-haul aircraft.
Passenger Comfort
Improving passenger comfort is the aim of the three finalists in the category of the same name – Lufthansa Systems and Schott, both from Germany, and Supracor, from the USA. BoardConnect, a wireless infotainment solution from Lufthansa Systems, enriches the passenger’s flying experience whilst generating savings and new sources of income for airlines. With HelioJet – a technology based on light-emitting diodes, glass elements and fiber optic expertise – Schott provides for better and more constant cabin lighting. And Stimulite from Supracor (pictured above) is an extremely thin and lightweight cushion material for seats and beds, based on a honeycomb structure that makes it very comfortable and enhances blood circulation.
Greener Cabin, Health and Safety
Three ideas promising “greener flying” have made it to the final round in the 'Greener Cabin, Health and Safety' category. With the Bionic Bracket, Airbus has introduced one of the most environmentally efficient aluminum components on the market. The special production process means that there is barely any loss of raw materials as well as reducing the weight and increasing strength. The Sidewall & Lining System from C&D Zodiac is a user-friendly and environmentally friendly composite film. And Diehl Aerospace’s DAS Eco- Line is a complete solution for LED cabin lighting with a weight saving of 35% and using 50% less energy.
Material and Components
Diehl Comfort Modules, formerly DASELL, from Germany, along with Sell, also from Germany and TTF Aerospace from the USA are hoping for a trophy in the 'Material and Components' category. Diehl’s Modular Glued Cable Bracket System allows for electric cabling to be installed easily and safely. FST Adhesive Applications, developed by Sell, bring new designs to cabin components. The Aerospace TSkin from TTF Aerospace protects baggage compartments from damage and at the same time gives them a fresher look.
All of the finalists’ products and concepts will be presented in the Crystal Cabin Award Gallery (1A20) at Aircraft Interiors Expo. This leading trade fair for aircraft interior fitting will take place from 27 to 29 March this year, as always at the Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH (HMC) fairgrounds.
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