Airbus Corporate Helicopters delivers a ACH145 with a vegan interior
An ACH145 helicopter with “a fully vegan interior” has been delivered to a customer in Germany, Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) has revealed.
The model – featuring an interior free of animal products – was ordered by German construction entrepreneur Dr Urs Brunner. His wife is the ethical fashion pioneer Daniela Brunner, founding owner of specialist fashion house Giulia & Romeo, which eschews animal products in its range and donates all its profits to animal welfare. The Brunners wanted their new helicopter to be consistent with her ethical values.
Responding to that request, the cabin is fitted with ACH’s Line interior configuration in a grey theme but the leather elements were replaced with Ultraleather. This replicates the visual and tactile leather experience with comparable durability, according to the manufacturer.
Items that had to be specially designed and made using replacement materials include the six passenger seats, central storage cabinet, rear partition and cockpit controls cuffs.
Head of ACH, Frederic Lemos, said: “We’re very proud of our team’s work in creating this bespoke ACH Line interior. The material that we used is certified for aviation use and is hard wearing, but it can only be stretched in one direction which means it is a challenge to work with, particularly on the seats. The craftsmanship of the ACH team played a vital role in delivering the vegan interior, he added. “I am delighted to say that we found a practical way to meet our customer’s desires which also looks superb.”
ACH revealed the delivery at the Dubai Air Show. Read Lemos’ predictions for the helicopter market here.
What is veganism?
“Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude – as far as is possible and practicable – all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.”
Source: The Vegan Society
Animal friendly: The Brunners wanted their ACH145 to be consistent with Mrs Brunner’s key ethical values.
