RX Global, the organiser of Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), has appointed Archana Dharni as the new event director of AIX and its associated Passenger Experience Conference (PEC). In the role, Dharni will oversee the delivery of the events, which focus on the cabin interiors and inflight entertainment (IFE) industries.
Dharni brings more than 20 years’ expertise in event management, with roles across marketing, strategy, commercial and operational delivery. During this time, she has worked across diverse sectors, including technology, aviation, packaging, manufacturing and alternative energies.
In her previous role at RX, Dharni managed AIX’s co-located event, World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) from 2013 to 2020, during which time the event grew year-on-year. Over the past few years, she has worked on various strategic projects with the aim of growing the AIX and WTCE events. Most recently she was responsible for the marketing of AIX, as well as delivering the Cabin Space Live and PEC educational programmes.
Dharni succeeds Polly Magraw – AIX’s event director from 2015 to 2024 – who has moved into a new role at RX. In her new role as portfolio director of transport, Magraw is now responsible for the strategic vision and direction of a number of global events: AIX, WTCE, the Airport Show Dubai, Inter Airport Europe, Railtex, and Sifer Expo.
Under Magraw’s stewardship, AIX grew in strength and size, attracting more than 350 exhibiting companies and over 12,000 international attendees at the 2024 event. The show originally launched more than two decades ago, and there have now been 23 AIX shows.
“It is a privilege to step into this role after a decade working closely with AIX, PEC and all of its partners,” said Archana Dharni, event director for AIX. “I’ve witnessed first-hand how the event has grown and become increasingly important to the global cabin interiors industry, which is down to Polly’s exceptional vision and leadership. I’m excited to build on that strong foundation and further enhance the event’s global reputation. We’re already deep into planning for 2025 and can’t wait to present the next edition with new features and themes.”
Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) will take place in Halls B1-B7 at the Hamburg Messe, Germany, on 8-10 April 2025. The event will be co-located with the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) in Halls A1 and A4, following the Passenger Experience Conference (PEC) on 7 April.
