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This year's Aircraft Interiors Expo, "the launch pad for cabin programmes showcasing tomorrow's designs," opens in Hamburg on April 5th. Exhibitors will be showing off everything from redesigned seats to entertainment systems to entire cabins:

The hot thing in this area of design is lightweighting, as airline companies struggle with rising fuel prices and try to get an airplane's overall weight down. Thus even seatbelts are getting the ultralight treatment, as shaving a mere 65 grams off of each one adds up when multiplied across planes and fleets. Seats are another interior element getting the diet treatment, and suppliers are also playing around with their configurations for greater comfort.

The Expo will also feature the Crystal Cabin Awards, which highlights the most promising developments. You can get an early look at the winners and see a slideshow over at Arabian Supply Chain.

"The entire plane's empty—why is this broad
sitting next to me and touching me with her feet?"