Aircabin GmbH reports that customer interest in its modular corporate jet interiors has risen sharply since September, reflecting an increase in take-up of business aviation following the terrorist attacks on New York.

The company, a subsidiary of Airbus Germany, offers interiors which are based on standard modules which can be used on different aircraft and variable configurations. Produced in small batches, the modules are cheaper than bespoke interiors and can be fitted in shorter times.

Said Dr Manfred Egner, ceo of Aircabin, “By applying the accumulated know-how of over 40 years' series production, we are able to offer our customers solutions which meet three criteria we have so far struggled to combine, namely individuality, exclusivity and an attractive price.”

Aircabin recently attended the Aircraft Interior Expo in Hamburg to display the modular system, as well as a newly developed crew rest compartment designed for Airbus. This is integrated under the cabin floor and is claimed to be the first such sleeping compartment for crew members on long-haul Airbus flights.

The concept of providing sleeping quarters is not new in itself, having been a feature of cargo aircraft such as the Shorts Belfast and others in the past, but the Aircabin solution provides considerably more space. In its application to the Airbus A340 it has storage space and built-in cupboards for crew member clothing and personal items, and can accommodate up to ten people. It will allow flights of over twelve hours to be undertaken within currently prescribe crew rest times.