This partnership with Bucher underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ strategic importance not only as an aviation leader in Africa but also as a pivotal contributor to the country’s economic growth and connectivity. Known for its rapid expansion and commitment to service excellence, Ethiopian Airlines continues to set benchmarks in passenger travel across the continent.

“Collaborating with Bucher to outfit our new 777-9 fleet demonstrates our commitment to passenger comfort and innovation,” stated Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO. “As a strategically vital airline for our country, we continually seek partners who align with our vision for expansive growth and enhanced service quality.”

Bucher will supply Ethiopian Airlines with advanced Galleys that optimize space and functionality, thereby enhancing the in-flight experience for passengers and crew efficiency. This collaboration empowers Ethiopian Airlines to maintain its leadership role in African aviation through ongoing investment in technology and passenger amenities.

“We are delighted to partner with Ethiopian Airlines in this significant project,” said Beat Burlet, CEO of Bucher. “Our team is committed to delivering bespoke Galleys that meet the expansive needs of this strategically important airline.”

The partnership sets a new standard in airline passenger service, combining Ethiopian Airlines’ visionary approach with Bucher’s lightweight, innovative cabin interiors.

For further information, please visit our website at bucher-group.com or contact us directly at bucher@bucher-group.com. 

Bucher is excited to share the latest advancements in two of its products. The SkyBassinet, with an improved design, is ready to take off and provide the highest comfort for the youngest passengers. Meanwhile, the customizable class divider has been enhanced with new features, offering tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of every airline.

Bucher is also expanding its premium tray table offerings with innovative designs that combine functionality, space efficiency, and passenger comfort.

The AIX booth will feature a twin-aisle centre Galley from a renowned airline’s current production series. It will also feature the reliable airline stretcher equipped with ACE’s Oxygen Medical Unit, our one-of-a-kind ARCTICart, in addition to these new tables and monitor arms designed for efficiency.

To meet growing demand, Bucher has grown its team with specialists whose advanced skills will accelerate innovation. The company has simultaneously invested in state-of-the-art production facilities to expand its manufacturing area and improve both efficiency and quality.

Bucher’s dedication to innovation and quality solidifies its leading position in the aircraft interiors market. The company’s focus on developing the lightest monuments on the market can significantly benefit airlines by reducing aircraft weight, leading to lower fuel consumption and increased range.

As a Tier 1 supplier, Bucher has deepened its expertise in creating customised cabin environments that perfectly unite comfort, aesthetics, and brand representation. By using cutting-edge lighting, bespoke surfaces, and inventive designs, they empower customers to craft distinctive brand experiences aligned with their specific requirements.

These strategic developments and product offerings strengthen Bucher’s competitiveness in the aircraft interiors market.

Attendees are invited to visit stand 5D60 in Hall B5 at AIX to experience these innovations firsthand and enjoy a delicious premium cappuccino from a SkyTender trolley. 

For further information, please visit our website at bucher-group.com or contact us directly at bucher@bucher-group.com. We look forward to sharing our innovations with you at the expo.

Our flex equipment enables seamless transitions between different missions. Whether it involves equipping a passenger helicopter for medical missions in the HEMS sector or meeting other special requirements, these modifications are implemented quickly and efficiently, often without the use of tools. Frequently, flight or medical crews can make these modifications themselves without the need for a licensed technician, highlighting the user-friendliness of our solutions.

Reconfigurable multi-mission helicopters are used in numerous sectors, from commercial operations to para-public and military missions. Especially in specialized HEMS operations, the equipment must cover a wide range of medical requirements, from basic care to intensive transport. Our modular system allows customers to choose from a variety of stretcher systems, seats, medical devices, and storage solutions tailored to their specific needs.

A key advantage of our systems is the reduction of downtime. With Bucher’s flexible kits, conversions can be completed within minutes, allowing operators to quickly respond to changing mission requirements. Whether rearranging medical equipment in the cabin or installing stretchers with our innovative quick-release system, every aspect is designed for maximum efficiency and user-friendliness.

With over 50 years of experience in the HEMS market, Bucher remains a leader in the development of cabin and mission equipment, consistently meeting the highest standards of quality and reliability. Our latest flexible solutions set benchmarks for versatility and efficiency in multi-mission helicopters and reflect our commitment to innovation and customer-focused design.

The flexible adaptation of helicopter interiors and mission equipment is not only practical but essential in today’s dynamic operational environments. Discover in Amsterdam how our continuous innovation enables us to provide tailored solutions that meet the demands of emergency medicine, military, and public safety.

Our experts Rolf Kraus, Ralph Setz, and Lukas Hollnsteiner look forward to personally showing you how Bucher can transform your operations. Join us and experience how our solutions revolutionize operational capabilities in aviation. Visit us to learn more about the possibilities our advanced helicopter solutions offer.

These will include the 16g Bionic Partition Wall, recognized as the lightest of its kind, and the now market-ready SkyBassinet following recent refinements. The focus is on a fully customized Self-service Counter, which was developed for longer flights in single-aisle aircraft. This bespoke design underscores Bucher’s proficiency in addressing individual customer requirements, showcasing the company’s adaptability in delivering tailored solutions. The unveiling of this exclusive feature is set to be a highlight of the event, emphasizing Bucher’s commitment to meeting unique client demands.

Additionally, the product lineup will feature a Class Divider, which provides enhanced privacy for passengers in premium cabin classes. Bucher will also be presenting a number of enhancements to its proven ATS Stretcher for patient transportation. These include an Oxygen Medical Unit with single support in collaboration with its partner Aircraft Completion Engineering.

An exciting innovation at the booth includes a twin-aisle aircraft center Galley with integrated Roller Blind and Branding Elements. Bucher is proud to unveil the Bucher Roller Blind, a product that merges Swiss technology with innovative design, showcased for the first time within a Galley unit. This tailor-made Galley will be presented with a range of sophisticated features, including a distinctive Branding Element. Over the past few years, Bucher has accumulated significant expertise in the development and integration of Banding Elements.

With a year of successful approvals under its wings, the ARCTICart™ is now soaring through test flights with multiple prestigious airlines. Could the reveal of a launch customer be on the horizon? Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement that promises to captivate and intrigue. Don’t miss out on this exciting journey with ARCTICart™! The AIX 2023 will be the opportunity for visitors to experience the half-size and full-size versions of Bucher’s ARCTICart™, the first in-flight service cart with high-performing thermal insulation. Our carts meet the ATLAS standard requirements in the inside and outside and has already received FAA´s TSO Authorization.

Premium folding tables and cabin mechanisms along with the well-known reliable and in-flight proven tray table solutions and high-end supports for tablets in the cabin, Bucher will be displaying among others like last year, the table “Olympia”, a Premium Swing-up Food Tray Table. This table mechanism is characterized by its compactness, which is ideal for applications inside the armrest or in side-consoles. At the same time, the table “Olympia” includes high-end features, which are characteristic for Bucher’s VIP tables like force-assisted motion, fall-back prevention or integrated latch.

These innovative products reflect Bucher’s ambition to develop solutions that enhance the passenger experience, promote airline brands, and reduce carbon emissions during operations.

Visitors are welcome to explore these advanced capabilities and innovations, and engage in discussions with Bucher’s specialists.

You can visit the Bucher Group at booth 5D60 in hall B5 at the Aircraft Interiors Expo for more insights. For additional information about the Bucher Group, please visit our website at https://bucher-group.com or reach out  via email to bucher@bucher-group.com.

“In response to the requirements of medical rescue missions in the Yangtze River Delta region, the H135 helicopter, equipped with Bucher’s AC67 flex HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) gear, was chosen to conduct HEMS operations. This is not only intended to cover the rescue sector but also address the needs of VIP customers. Consequently, in April of this year, we selected and procured Bucher’s rapidly deployable medical configuration equipment, namely the AC67 flex. This groundbreaking decision marks the first-ever application of a 20-minute quick change between VIP and medical configurations in China, significantly expanding the versatile applications of helicopters in the country,” stated CARE.

The partnership between Bucher and CARE extends beyond equipment provision to encompass various training initiatives. Since the beginning of their collaboration this year, Bucher has conducted high-quality theoretical and practical training for domestic medical personnel, adhering to international standards and regulations. This innovative training model has already garnered high recognition and support from globally renowned HEMS experts.

Together, Bucher and CARE aim to chart a pioneering path in air rescue in China. Their partnership transcends conventional boundaries, striving not only to provide state-of-the-art equipment but also to set new standards in the country through comprehensive training programs and operational initiatives.

Bucher has made significant strides this year in introducing its latest flexible equipment options, including the AC67 flex for the H135 and the AC70 flex tailored for H145 helicopters. These adaptable solutions have attracted global attention, particularly due to their innovative Quick Release system.

Building upon the principles of the AC67 flex, the AC70 flex stands out for its remarkable flexibility, facilitating seamless transitions between emergency services, VIP transport, police operations, cargo transport, firefighting, or military applications. This versatility has not only piqued the interest of rescue companies but has also appealed to private helicopter operators seeking to maximize operational efficiency through frequent configuration changes.

Bucher is focused on expanding its presence in these promising markets by collaborating with rescue companies and private operators. The integration of these flexible products is further facilitated by close collaboration with helicopter and air rescue experts in these regions. This cooperative approach ensures optimal customer support, streamlined communication channels, and accelerates the introduction of products and services.

Customers opting for this flexible equipment benefit from expert support and advice regarding applications, as well as potential upgrades or configurations. Bucher’s AC70 flex equipment has also generated significant demand for police and military operations, given the adaptability and versatility of the equipment in these sectors.

For further information about the Bucher Group, please visit: https://bucher-group.com or contact us at: bucher@bucher-group.com.

Now in its third generation, the company is led by CEO Beat Burlet, with nearly 170 employees in Fällanden alone. Heinrich Bucher’s original idea, “Flying with minimum weight and maximum of reliability,” is still implemented across the company’s now diverse product range with its unique lightweight construction methods using aluminum or composites. The company’s success over the last 70 years impressively highlights the country’s own internationally renowned commitment to innovation.

The Original Trailblazer: Heinrich Bucher’s Start as a Maintenance Expert
In 1953, Heinrich Bucher laid the foundation for a remarkable career that would have a lasting impact on the aviation sector. As a pioneer, he ventured into the world of aircraft maintenance, specializing in the repair and maintenance of galleys for the then renowned Swissair. His career started off in a modest environment – an old garage located in the idyllic community of Fällanden right outside of Zurich. The founder’s wife, Ida Bucher, was the first employee and a cornerstone to the company’s success. After years of working in aircraft construction, Heinrich had acquired a wealth of of experience when he founded the company in 1953. In his role as a master tinsmith at Swissair, he was responsible for the structural components on the aircraft. Consequently, one of Bucher Leichtbau’s main client early on was Swissair.

Decades of working with lightweight metals in aircraft construction ultimately led Heinrich Bucher to a decisive breakthrough in the 1970s. Departing from traditional balsa wood sandwich constructions, aluminum took center stage. With creative finesse, he designed galleys whose essential structure consisted of a clever combination of aluminum sheets and frame profiles. His journey would go even further – Heinrich Bucher set standards by designing doors as technological masterpieces. These were made of lightweight yet resilient metal milled directly from blocks. He followed a similar approach with a variety of latches and fittings, and over the years, many more innovations and new products would complement the Bucher product range.

Heinrich Bucher legacy would grow out of these unique contributions and developments in the aviation industry. His deep familiarity with the properties of lightweight metals and his innovative thinking not only earned him a place as a pioneer but also contributed to the development of innovative solutions in the aviation field.

Expansion in Fällanden
The expansion in Fällanden occurred in various stages to accommodate continuous growth and modernize its production facility with the latest milling machinery, used to created such products as the unique milled trolley doors.

In 1992, after the founder’s passing, the company transitioned its leadership to Heinrich’s three children, who then transformed Bucher Leichtbau to a joint stock company. The once simple design department then evolved into a modern engineering department that pushed the development and certifications of the Bucher aluminum galley system even further. At that time, in addition to Swissair, various major airlines such as Scandinavian Airlines, Lufthansa, and Austrian Airlines were already among the company’s closest customers. Additionally, the company expanded into the USA (Everett, WA.) where, with its close proximity to Boeing, it was able establish a solid foothold in the American market.

Swiss pioneering spirit and global presence.
The success story of Bucher Leichtbau reflects the unmistakable Swiss pioneering spirit. With perseverance, innovation, and a passion for excellence, the company leveraged its roots in Zurich Oberland to make a name for itself worldwide. For the past 20 years, the owner and president, Margrit Burlet-Bucher, has embodied these values. She believes in sustainable corporate management, not only for quality reasons but also to support the local economy by committing to its Swiss production site.

Today, the Bucher Group is structured into three companies, each specializing in their respective components and their own construction specialties and processes. Each individual company complements the others, with an ongoing exchange of know-how and experience.

Outlook and Gratitude
While Bucher Leichtbau AG proudly looks back on 70 years of success, its sights are firmly fixed on the future. The company is excited to continue i its innovation and to provide ground-breaking solutions for aviation, cabin equipment, rail transport, and helicopter rescue equipment in the coming years. In this moment of celebration, Bucher Leichtbau expresses its sincere gratitude to its employees, partners, and customers, all of whom have contributed to making this remarkable journey possible.

On the occasion of this milestone, Bucher is presenting a range of new products and advancements for aircraft cabins at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.

One highlight is the compact and portable SkyBassinet. Thanks to its patented folding mechanism, the new baby bed can be folded to the size of a small handbag, resulting in a space-saving of over 50%. This offers more flexibility in the use of storage space for cabin crew while providing maximum sleeping comfort for the baby.

Furthermore, a sliding class divider is being introduced for the first time, which serves to differentiate the flight classes within the aircraft cabin. Another innovative product is our enhanced Doghouse, a flexible and customizable storage solution for the cabin and crew, optimizing space utilization and increasing efficiency. Additionally, Bucher offers branding elements that allow airlines to showcase their logos, colors, and advertising messages throughout the cabin, optimizing the overall aesthetics of the aircraft and enhancing passenger interaction.

Apart from that, Bucher is showcasing a custom Galley directly from our production line. With a variety of sophisticated features and details, this Galley demonstrates Bucher’s commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and materials. The back wall of the Galley has been enhanced with an ultra-slim AerQ OLED monitor for the exhibition, allowing airlines to individually present their branding and product advertisements during the flight.

Visitors to our booth will have the opportunity to admire both the half-size and full-size ARCTICart^TM – a service trolley with highly efficient thermal insulation for inflight operations. Our trolleys comply with ATLAS standards both inside and outside and received FAA TSO certification in 2022. ARCTICart^TM can maintain temperature increase below 4°C for over 20 hours without the need for expensive dry ice. The ARCTICart^TM Ice-Packs provide additional safety by extending the duration for safe temperature maintenance.

With these and many other innovations, we aim to improve the passenger experience, support cabin crew, and reduce CO₂ emissions in aircraft operations.

All products, solutions, and inventions by Bucher are based on the principle of sustainability. Bucher focuses on the development and production of lightweight and more reliable products, which, due to their solid structure, have a long service life and allow for easy replacement of parts. This enables airlines to minimize their ecological footprint and extend the lifespan of their cabin equipment.

Bucher’s 70th anniversary is a clear testament to our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality. As a family-owned company with a long history of success in the aviation industry, we are well-positioned to continue offering innovative solutions for aircraft cabins worldwide.

You can find us at booth 5D60 in Hall B5 at the Aircraft Interiors Expo.

For more information about the Bucher Group, please visit:
https://bucher-group.com 

or contact us at:
bucher@bucher-group.com.

This new contract will give Bucher the exciting opportunity to play a key development and manufacturing role in Deutsche Aircraft’s new eco-efficient airplane. With the D328eco^TM, a new 40-seat turboprop regional aircraft, the OEM will accelerate the aviation industry towards new lower emissions with its new engines, which will be certified for synthetic fuel.

Bucher’s time-to-market capabilities, supply chain resilience, sustainability across the life-cycle of the product and commercial competitiveness were important key factors in being awarded this contract. The investments in innovations over the past years and the recognition of market requirements as well as the demand for sustainable solutions underscore  Bucher’s  trustworthiness, effective and lean communication channels as well as its agile structure.

Commenting on the new contract, Beat Burlet, Chief Executive Officer of Bucher, said:
“With our range of proven, innovative and sustainable products for the aircraft cabin, we believe that Bucher is a natural fit for Deutsche Aircraft. We are honored to sign this contract for a longstanding supplier partnership with Deutsche Aircraft and look forward to enhancing the passenger and crew experience with our range of interior products.”

Nico Neumann, COO of Deutsche Aircraft said:
 “Since the beginning of discussions Bucher has shown a clear understanding of our requirements. Their decades-long know-how regarding cabin interior monuments and lightweight construction, whilst being open-minded regarding innovation and the high finishing quality on the product makes them the perfect partner for the galley and partitions for the D328eco. The D328eco will change the way we fly and help reduce our carbon footprint.”

Bucher’s long-established philosophy to build lighter and more reliable products helps airlines and operators to reduce their CO₂ emissions. Thanks to the bionic construction, weight saving of more than 30% has been achieved by using less material on Bucher’s Partitions. Furthermore all of Bucher’s products are designed for a life span of over 20 years and require very few spare parts.

Also the aspect of recyclability at a product’s end-of-life must be taken into account. Bucher Galleys are made of over 65% aluminum. After a useful life span of over 20 years these aluminum components can be recycled through a remelting process that only consumes 5% of the initial energy used to produce the primary aluminum. 75% of the total aluminum ever produced worldwide is still in use. Recycling 1 ton of aluminum saves 6 tons of bauxite and 9 tons of CO₂ emissions. Globally, recycling aluminum saves more than 100 million tons of CO₂ each year. Bucher will continue build lightweight and reliable products and increase the use of recyclable and recycled materials.

For more information about Bucher Group, please contact us at: bucher@bucher-group.com.

Bucher is proud to introduce its latest addition to flexible helicopter rescue equipment, following the same principle as the AC67 flex for the H135. This flexibility is enabled by a ‘Quick Release’ system, allowing for rapid conversion between EMS, VIP, police, cargo, firefighting, or military configurations.

With these new flexible equipment options, Bucher aims to provide innovative solutions not only for air rescue companies but also for helicopter operators who need to switch configurations multiple times a day to maximize their helicopter’s operational hours.

To enhance product awareness and integration with customers, Bucher collaborates closely with seasoned experts in the helicopter and air rescue fields. This collaboration ensures proximity to customers and short communication channels to expedite product launches and service times. When a customer chooses our flexible equipment, our experts are readily available for immediate consultation on product deployment and expansion possibilities.

The idea of developing a product line with flexible equipment came to Bucher’s attention when they realized that in many countries, air rescue service operators are not government, foundation, or association-led but are instead operated by private helicopter companies whose primary interest is to keep the helicopter in operation as long as possible. To achieve this, they need the capability to perform various types of missions multiple times within a 24-hour timeframe.

The flexible equipment AC67 flex and AC70 flex are not only self-contained and highly expandable but also incorporate various components from the classic Bucher rescue equipment AC70 for H145 and AC67 for H135. Just as in the past, Bucher worked closely with various helicopter operators in developing this product line. The proven ergonomic and functional design of Bucher products results from smart engineering and collaboration with many long-time users. Depending on the mission profile, customers can choose from different mission configurations for various scenarios.

Bucher’s primary goal is to offer customers maximum flexibility and modularity. The company is committed to developing high-quality products to deliver optimal performance for multi-mission and rescue operations. This commitment can be traced back to the company’s founder, Heinrich Bucher, who was driven by the idea of creating lightweight and reliable aluminum products. This unique lightweight principle has been refined and optimized by Bucher over the years. Today, Bucher has expanded its product offering to include composite and carbon fiber materials, allowing the company to efficiently customize its products to individual customer needs in various sectors, such as helicopters, aircraft, and trains.

For more information about the Bucher Group, please visit: https://bucher-group.com or contact us at: bucher@bucher-group.com.

For inquiries or appointment scheduling, please contact our expert.

Only those who try the impossible can achieve the possible.  And only those who question the conventional can achieve the extraordinary. At Bucher we are constantly innovating on more and more user-friendly and sustainable solutions that maximize the flight experience for passengers, that make working in the air easier for crew members and which are sustainable for the environment.

We would be excited to show you our latest innovations at the AIX 2022 in Hamburg.

We will be presenting our 16g “Bionic” Partition Wall with our brand new, ultralight Baby Bassinet. Our Innovation Galley with integrated inventory and power management systems, an integrated induction charging station for beverage carts elaborated in cooperation with our partner SkyTender. Together with the latest half- and full-size versions of Bucher’s ARCTICart^TM, the first ever in-flight service cart with high-performing insulation, we have developed a seamless and more efficient catering experience. And to meet hygiene standards during flight, we have also developed an Antiviral Galley kit, which should be an integral part of any new Galley. You will experience all this and much more at our booth. Let our innovations inspire you!

As in previous years before, we will continue to showcase our proven ATS Stretcher for patient transportation and specially for 2022, we will present additions like an Oxygen Medical System kit in collaboration with our partner Aircraft Completion Engineering and an incubator support, which is designed specifically for our ATS Stretcher. Along with the well-known reliable and in-flight proven tray table solutions and high-end supports for tablets in the cabin, Bucher will be displaying for the first time its table “Olympia”, a premium class swing-up food tray table.

All our products, solutions and inventions are based on a guiding principle of “Sustainable Solutions”. Drawing from Bucher’s long-standing philosophy of flying with minimum weight and maximum reliability, we continue to develop and produce environmentally sustainable products that help airlines reduce their carbon emissions and waste during operations, as well allow for recycling at the end of the product life cycle.

You can find us from June 14 to 16 at booth 5D60 in hall B5.