In 2003, Heath Tecna was awarded a contract to supply interior architectural components for Airbus’ A380 superjumbo jets. Working in a collaborative manner with the OEM, our engineers began to develop sidewall stowage boxes for the upper deck and dado panels for the main deck. The sidewall stowages were envisioned to stow small items such as blankets, purses, backpacks, laptop bags, and pillows, as well as accommodate airflow for decompression. The dado panels were expected to provide decompression features too and close out the sidewall area. In addition, parts were not to exceed a defined weight according to the PTS (Purchasers Technical Specification).

As engineers refined the component designs while ramping up for production, Heath Tecna reduced assembly weights by so much that Airbus revised the PTS overall weight per shipset. In 2006, we also introduced a decorative film coating process into our production flow. This was done to meet the needs of OEM airline customers with “Head of Version” programs such as Emirates. The unique décor consists of a faux wood pattern, with a high gloss finish, which an outside service company applies to our parts using their patented process.

As of June 2010, we have produced over 50 shipsets of components for the A380 and continue supporting Airbus’ schedule. Each A380 requires approximately 50 sidewall stowages and 60 dadoes per shipset.


Photography Credits / Media Links

• Images marked with copyright symbols or caption attribution are the property of their respective owners and have either been licensed under a Creative Commons agreement or via personal arrangement
• Special thanks to Flickr members redesoras, 91RS, Andy_Mitchell_UK, DearEdward, and Fiona Bradley for making their images available for use in this showcase piece
• Visit the Airliners.net website to see a dado panel installed under a main deck sidewall on an Air France A380