Make do and mend

摘要

From the smallest Cessnas to the biggest Boeings, and from repainting an Airbus A380 nose to tail to repairing stitching on a seat cover, the multi-billion refurbishment industry provides a vital service to operators seeking upgrades for their aircraft without the need for a costly fleet renewal. Embarking on cabin refurbishments gives airlines the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and advances in the manufacture of components. The age of the aircraft, the number of hours it has flown, the number of take-offs and landings and requirements by regulators are all factors that inform airlines' upgrade programme, as do developments in design and technology. Improvements may come in the form of state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment systems and new lightweight seating, offering weight savings and a better passenger experience, or a completely new cabin layout to cater for changing passenger demands. But refurbishments are also designed to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft after thousands of hours of flying, and can be completed at the same time as other scheduled work such as a D check, or "heavy maintenance visit", which usually occurs every five to six years.