Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW), competence center for Airbus passenger-to-freighter conversions (P2F), for lightweight components and cabin systems, recently reached a total of 6 million lightweight panels in production at its plants in Dresden and Kodersdorf (Görlitz). EFW has been a direct supplier (first-tier supplier) of important components and systems for Airbus for over three decades. EFW’s lightweight products are implemented in more than 14,000 Airbus aircraft. This year, EFW will equip over 700 Airbus aircraft with ship sets (complete interior kits) of lightweight products.

In addition to narrow-body aircraft in the A320 family, wide-body aircraft (A330, A300, A310) and long-haul aircraft – including the A350 and the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the A380, as well as Airbus’ own freighters Beluga and Beluga XL – are also equipped with lightweight products ‘Made in Saxony’.

These include flat floor panels in the cabin and cargo area, linings for the cargo area, functional partitions, bulletproof cockpit doors, but also complex cabin solutions such as crew rest compartment or lavatory modules for passenger and freighter aircraft. The latest product is the “Airspace L Bin”, an overhead bin for hand luggage, which will equip the A320 family in the future. These bins optimize the needs of airlines and passengers and offer 60% more space for hand luggage.

As an experienced Airbus first-tier supplier of composite components, EFW has received multiple awards from the aircraft manufacturer for its services. Based on the know-how of production processes and the skills in product design, the company developed from a manufacturer to a provider of design solutions for cabin systems for the aviation industry.