FACC exploits its competencies and know-how to develop new fields of business. In addition to urban air mobility and the space market, the focus is on the expansion of its Aftermarket Services for civil aviation.
Profound technological know-how and unbridled innovative strength are the most important door openers for FACC when it comes to gaining a foothold in new market segments. In recent years, this was demonstrated not least by a project jointly implemented by FACC and the Chinese start-up EHang. The development of the highly innovative passenger drone EHang 216 catapulted FACC to the global forefront in the field of urban air mobility (UAM). Activities in this area are to be expanded in the coming years, and by the end of the decade, FACC aims to have achieved a balanced customer portfolio comprising major players from all over the world with a share of around 10 percent of the Group’s total revenues.
Soaring to new heights with know-how and capacities
In addition to outstanding achievements in innovation, research and development, FACC boasts a high degree of automation in production as well as sufficient facilities and capacities for the production of series of all sizes. As a one-stop shop, the Group not only offers its customers lightweight construction know-how, but frequently also the most cost-efficient solution on the market. Such economical solutions are also gaining in importance in the space sector. This is because the growth in global communication calls for the expansion of the satellite infrastructure. And it is precisely this market that is increasingly being occupied by private space companies. Alongside NASA, ESA and the like, companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin are gaining a foothold on the market. With its lightweight solutions, similar to those developed in the Aerostructures and Engine & Nacelles divisions, FACC aims to offer its services as a partner to these companies.
New avenues in health matters
FACC is not just a pioneer in the field of urban air mobility and in a starting position for space travel. With new products relating to in-flight health, it is addressing growing demands for hygiene in aircraft, which are not only the result of COVID-19. In 2020, the company applied for further new patents: one for a novel, antiviral and antibacterial coating for cabin interiors, and another for an air filter system designed to prevent the spread of pathogens. The system was developed for aircraft cabins and can be used both in the existing fleet of approximately 22,460 aircraft as a retrofit, and in new aircraft as original equipment. However, it could also be used in trains or coaches.
Aftermarket Services: from maintenance to development
Two years ago, FACC introduced its new business segment Aftermarket Services, which has since grown to become a highly respected contact partner worldwide in the areas of maintenance, repair and updates of aircraft components. However, FACC Aftermarket Services not only takes care of defective components on aircraft or upgrades for outdated cabins, its employees also develop completely novel parts and concepts. The most recent example is LAV4ALL – a barrier-free lavatory for single-aisle aircraft. The innovative design of the module was adapted to the layout of the smallest aircraft lavatory in the Airbus A320. Without reducing the space available in the cabin, the aircraft lavatory offers sufficient room for a wheelchair, additional holders and adjustable mirrors. Practically everyone can use the “Lavatory for All” without assistance, not only people with reduced mobility, but also passengers with poor eyesight or other impairments.
In the field of maintenance, FACC Aftermarket Services made a significant step forward in fall 2020 by obtaining EN 9110 certification for maintenance work. Previously, FACC was only authorized to repair, maintain and overhaul aircraft components that it had manufactured itself. The EN 9110 certification is proof that FACC now also meets all standards to duly repair components manufactured by other companies. This will enable FACC to once again considerably expand its service and customer portfolio in this growing business field.
Another area in which FACC plans to broaden its market position in the medium term is the outfitting of private jets. The Group has been involved in the development and production of cabin interiors since 2004, and ranks among the world’s three largest suppliers in this field. The company now plans to extend its offering to larger aircraft, which is a particularly complex field – especially in terms of execution quality, equipment, safety and spaciousness.
