Airbus has expanded its partnership with FACC, the supplier of its Airspace XL overhead stowage compartments and ceiling panels, to include the entrance area for the entire A320 aircraft family. The entrance area being manufactured by FACC comprises the entire lining of the area as well as the door area, including the ceiling panels in the front, middle and rear sections of the aircraft.
“Our product is the first component the passenger sees when boarding. First impressions count and we ensure that the unique aesthetics chosen by Airbus and the high feel-good ambience of the new airspace cabin are implemented in a technically high-quality design,” stated Robert Braunsberger, FACC’s VP of interiors.
In connection with the order, FACC is making additional “seven figure” automated production technology investments for its site in Austria, creating 100 highly qualified jobs and increasing the order backlog by €230m (US$267m). Production will focus on SMC (sheet molding compound) technology, which generates a noticeable cost reduction compared to similar products manufactured using conventional processes, and which FACC plans to apply to other applications and assemblies.