Ipeco Holdings Ltd is proud to announce its collaboration with Airbus and AMF-Bruns on the Airspace U Suite, named a finalist for the Crystal Cabin Award 2026 in the Accessibility category.
The Accessibility category recognises innovations that improve accessibility within the aircraft cabin, creating a more inclusive and comfortable experience for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility.
Airspace U Suite – redefining inclusive cabin design
The Airspace U Suite concept, developed by Airbus in cooperation with Ipeco Holdings and AMF-Bruns, is a flexible cabin module concept designed to accommodate a passenger’s personal wheelchair. It enables an existing cabin monument to be converted into an accessible space, reducing the need for manual handling and the risk of damage associated with transporting wheelchairs as bulk cargo.
This approach supports greater independence, comfort and dignity for wheelchair users, while enabling them to travel alongside a companion within a defined, purpose-designed cabin space.
In addition, the Airspace U Suite concept has been designed with operational flexibility in mind. By folding up seats, the layout can be reconfigured to suit different operational needs.
Ipeco’s engineering and manufacturing role
Airbus continues to develop the Airspace U Suite concept, refining its integration into cabin interiors across multiple aircraft programs. Airbus leads the industrial design and overall concept, while Ipeco is responsible for the engineering, structural design and manufacture of the seating and support systems for the physical mock-up. Ipeco’s involvement reflects its vertically integrated capability, spanning concept engineering, detailed design, manufacturing and validation. The intent is to further develop the Airspace U Suite concept towards customer acceptance, certification and potential future application.
Commenting on the Crystal Cabin Award shortlist, Jez Smith, Vice President Engineering at Ipeco, said:
“Accessibility in the aircraft cabin is an area where engineering has a real opportunity to make a difference for wheelchair users and their companions. Working with Airbus and AMF-Bruns on the Airspace U Suite has allowed us to apply our structural, seating and certification expertise to a concept that addresses the practical challenges of travelling with a wheelchair, while maintaining compliance within a highly regulated cabin environment. This shortlist recognition reflects the strength of the collaboration and the importance of engineering-led solutions in creating more inclusive aircraft cabins.”
A shared commitment to inclusive aviation
Ipeco’s collaboration with Airbus on the Airspace U Suite concept builds on a long-standing relationship and a shared focus on developing practical, certifiable solutions that enhance both the passenger and crew experience. The Crystal Cabin Award shortlist highlights the importance of cross-industry collaboration in tackling complex accessibility challenges within the aircraft cabin.
The winners of the Crystal Cabin Award 2026 will be announced on 14 April in Hamburg. Ipeco will be exhibiting at The Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, where you can visit us at stand 6E92 or email meetus@ipeco.com to arrange a meeting.