AIX Wednesday pre-brief: day 1 highlights, and more to look out for at the show

New seats, new brands, and new CMF — plus new demonstrators, accessibility upgrades, space-efficient innovations, and an unusual “reverse guillotine” door

By John Walton 9 min read
The exterior of the Hamburg Messe, Eingang Mitte • Central Entrance

Hello again from Hamburg, subscribers!

After a busy first day at 2026’s Aircraft Interiors Expo, here’s what captured our attention — and, specifically, what recommend you should see on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

(Don’t miss our preview recommendations from Monday, either!)

Aircraft Interiors ExpoJamcoCollins AerospaceCollins Aerospace AuroraAir CanadaA321XLRACS UKMonumentsThompson Aero SeatingThompson Vantage XLThompson Vantage NovaDisability and accessibilityAccess-IQSOGECLAIRAirbusOptimares
John Walton

Editor in chief of The Up Front, with two decades of experience reporting across the global aviation industry, specialising in business and first class, seats, cabins and the passenger experience.