Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW), the centre of competence for Airbus aircraft conversions (P2F) and lightweight components and cabin systems, is set to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing line for Airspace L Bins by the end of the year. These new upsized overhead bins are designed for Airbus' single-aisle aircraft. EFW was chosen by Airbus to manufacture the Airspace L Bins for the A320 family following a close collaboration between EFW and the Airbus design team to develop an efficient and well-fitting retrofit product.
Following Lufthansa and Iberia Airlines' adoption of Airspace L Bins last year, three more airlines have selected this new overhead bin upgrade. Alongside two undisclosed customers, SWISS will equip three A320s and five A321s with the new L Bins.
EFW's order book now includes over 120 shipset orders. To meet these demands on time, within budget, and with high quality, EFW is setting up a modern manufacturing line at its subsidiary, acosa GmbH, to prepare for industrial-scale production. The first Airspace L Bins produced through this automated process are scheduled for delivery in Q1 2025.
Airspace L Bins optimise cabin space utilisation by providing 60% more luggage space than the previous-generation A320 overhead bins. These L Bins can be retrofitted within 3-5 days with minimal cabin modifications, making them the simplest and most cost-effective solution for A320-family operators to increase overhead cabin bag space. This retrofit solution brings large overhead bin capacity to in-service fleets, matching the new A320s fitted from the factory.
