Page 24 - AAA MAY - JUNE 2013 Online Magazine

FEATURE INTERIOR DESIGN

Altitude’s designs
manage to be
modern, sleek and
stylish, while also
being functional

Tech specs
Emerging technologies have also but physically fitting it and splicing it into the only significant player in the Asia-
impacted the role of the cabin designer in the aircraft’s digital systems even harder. Pacific region, one of the fastest-growing
recent years. In addition to demands from Operators of business aircraft still want aviation regions in the world. One of the
passengers for things like connectivity, full-size HD monitors – but they demand most important tools in the outsourced
the ability to run whatever format large-yet-thin monitors so as to cut down designers toolbox is of course computer-
they want (Windows, Mac, Andriod), on space and weight requirements. It’s all aided design, or CAD. Most design
USB plug-in and charging capability, a bit of a juggling act. engineers use highly sophisticated
designers have to be vigilant about the “Our company has quietly built up its computer-aided design and analysis to
compatibility of systems. This applies design expertise and client base and is develop models and test design concepts
especially to upgrades when melding now working with some of the biggest before they have even seen the inside of
older, proprietary technology with the commercial airlines and manufacturers in an aircraft. Some design houses are now
latest systems that will support iPads, the world,” says Altitude’s Pervan. “Over using Rapid Prototype Development and
notebook computers and more. the next five years we expect to double our printing prototypes using 3D printers too.
Most design teams and contractors staff numbers and significantly increase This is a high-tech industry, no doubt.
work closely with avionics installation our revenue as we further grow our “Using CAD and CAA allows for quicker
teams, systems engineers and wiring business to meet increasing demand,” he development, lighter structures, and
teams to make sure there are no conflicts says optimistically. more complex shapes,” says Altitude’s
between systems. Even more importantly, Altitude sees its advantage as not Pervan. “The first item we actually build
the design has to be robust enough to just being able to complete the juggling goes [straight] onto the aircraft.” Of
squeeze past certification inspections that act, but to deliver the goods more course there may be the odd unforeseen
signal compliance with oversight agencies effectively, faster and more competitively difficulty, but non-destructive computer
such as the CAAS, FAA or CASA. than its challengers. Currently , the simulation testing is faster, cheaper and
For example, LCC Tiger is offering company gets most of its business – just as effective in most cases.
passengers the option of watching as do many other outsourced design As Asia sees continuing strong
streamed in-flight entertainment on houses – from three main product lines. growth in demand for seats, as the
their own iPads. Even the most budget- These are reconfiguring and integrating successful airlines increase their efforts
strapped passenger will expect some kind interiors on commercial jet aircraft, to differentiate themselves, and as
of screen in the back of the seat in front, designing customised interior products more customers demand better, more
ideally with a whole host of connectivity for commercial aircraft, and designing comfortable and more relaxing interiors,
and movie options in addition to making product and interiors for BBJs. there is no doubt the role of the outsourced
Skype calls or sending emails. All this The other bonus for the New Zealand aircraft interior designer will continue to
makes not just specifying the technology outfit, says Pervan, is that Altitude is grow, and continue to thrive.
24 ASIAN AIRLINES & AIRPORTS MAY /JUNE 2013 WWW.ASIANAIRLINES-AIRPORTS.COM