The Project

FAIRcraft  is the first aerospace project aimed at developing a completely circular aircraft cabin. The project aspires to set new standards in material ecology and health.

In the market, sustainability in material selection and product design is often overlooked, with the focus primarily on maximum weight reduction, which typically results in the use of hazardous waste materials.

The goal is to create a fully circular cabin where every component can be disassembled and, at the end of its lifecycle, either reused, refurbished, or recycled. Although the cabin accounts for only 10% of the total weight, its lifespan is shorter by far than that of the aircraft. Cabins are generally replaced every 4-8 years, while aircraft typically remain in service for around 30 years.

Reduce to the MAX

By implementing a lighter and fully recyclable aircraft cabin, the utilization of aircraft materials can be significantly extended. This requires a departure from standardized cabin interiors and encourages the interior of the aircraft to be redesigned from the ground up. Looking at a conceptually empty aircraft allows for a fresh perspective and creative thinking. Initial approximations by aviation suppliers at the end of this idea sketch resulted in an impressive 50% reduction in overall weight.

Concept

This concept was conceived in 2021 as part of the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft's Cross-Innovation Hub. Through the dedication and vision of André Herbst, Christian Keun, and Sebastian Mends-Cole, this paradigm shift was translated into an initial feasibility study for the aircraft seat. We extend our gratitude to these early pioneers, specially to Florian Hättich and Florian Zager-Rode as well as to the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft and Hamburg Aviation. 

Components

The concept for short-haul flights over 1200 km envisages completely eliminating the galley. Renting out cargo space has become a separate lucrative business. A new approach to cabin logistics and luggage storage aims not only to support this trend but also to simplify boarding and deboarding. Aircraft toilets are intended to be designed as modular systems. The use of greywater is a given. The selection of materials for wall panels, ceiling, and ventilation aims to significantly contribute to a more conducive cabin environment.

The Pioneers

André Herbst, Autoflug / Carolin Eberle, Hamburg Kreativgesellschaft / Claudia Rinke, Juristin und Grenzgängerin / Christian Keun, CompriseTec / Florian Hättich, Indeed-Innovation / Florian Zager-Rode, Diehl Aviation / Gaston Pukies,Capgemini Engineering / Julia Grosser, Hamburg Aviation / Karsten Wistuba, Cradle2Cradle / Markus Durstewitz, Airbus / Sandro Stefani, Ylipson / Sebastian Mends-Cole, BFGF Design Studios