Welcome to the September 2026 issue of Aircraft Interiors International magazine, which is a must-read for professionals in the cabin, IFEC and passenger experience sectors, Official Magazine of APEX, and Key Media Partner of Aircraft Interiors Expo.
Highlights from the September issue include:
Cover story: Accessible design
Airlines are facing growing pressure to improve accessibility so wheelchair users can enjoy a better and safer standard of air travel. We spoke to independent experts, as well as designers and suppliers in the cabin sector, to find out about the latest developments in inflight accessibility and what could come next.
Assisted travel
Looking beyond access issues, passengers with a range of non-visible disabilities can benefit from innovations in assisted travel functions and technologies that enable better and more independent inflight experiences.
APEX FTE Expo 2026 preview
Welcome to the future passenger experience. APEX FTE Expo is designed to shape the future end-to-end passenger journey. Get a feel for how the exhibitions, conferences and collaborative events will inspire the next chapter of aviation. This preview also shows the world of IFE content, innovative IFEC systems and cabin equipment that awaits visitors.
Aisle chairs
The new US Department of Transportation (DoT) requirements for onboard wheelchairs mark an important step toward safer and more dignified air travel for passengers with reduced mobility. We gathered some expert opinion on the legislation, and details of compliant aisle chairs.
Up front
Ideas and developments entering the cabin space
Column: Joe Leader
The installed base of embedded IFE displays will surpass five million by the end of the 2030s. The CEO of APEX explores the huge potential to advance IFE from a perceived cost centre into a sustainable revenue platform.
3D printing and the supply chain
Lufthansa Technik has demonstrated how additive manufacturing can play a role in making the aerospace supply chain more agile.
The latest industry statistics
The first half of 2026 was marked by record numbers in terms of orders, deliveries and revenues. And there is huge growth to come, as the latest industry figures show.
Design Brief: A new direction for business class
How could the business-class experience evolve for customers in 2040? The De Lussac Studio proposes a seat with a focus on wellbeing.
Strengthening the supply chain
IATA has outlined a series of measures that it believes can help solve persistent issues in the aerospace supply chain and save billions of dollars in the cost of failures.
Retrospection
A sophisticated monument to Asian culture in Air China’s B777-300ER.
Products and services
The latest product news from our advertisers:
Authentic cabin materials
The design team at Sekisui Kydex share their thoughts on making authentic materials choices in aircraft interior schemes.
Reliable seat delivery
With certification of the Unum One business-class seat complete, Chris Brady, CEO and founder of Unum Aircraft Seating, explains that it is now time to deliver seats on time and support customers for years to come.
The next 50 years in aircraft interiors
What will the airline passenger experience look like in 2076? Rosen Aviation considers the factors already driving the future, from AI to robotic devices, modular fixtures to dynamic monuments, and MOSAIC and personal experience portals.
A natural choice in airline upholstery
Inter-Weave undertakes the full design, weaving, dyeing and finishing process for woollen fabrics at its facility in New Zealand. Its renewable, biodegradable natural fibres have long been used by Air New Zealand.
Identify issues early in cabin programmes
Jean-Paul Gresset Consulting represents airlines on the ground across Europe, specialising in catching risks while they are still small enough to manage.
A durable clear coat finish
Signature Plating is continuing to implement finish innovations for aircraft interiors.
