A multi-engine, instrument rated pilot, James Wynbrandt has been an AIN and Business Jet Traveler contributor since 2003. His in-depth reporting and insightful features have won more than a dozen editorial honors, including two National Business Aviation Association Gold Wing Awards (2019; 2021), and his articles have also appeared in the New York Times, Barron’s, Fortune, Forbes, and Smithsonian Air &amp; Space. He has flown his Mooney M20K 252 on assignments throughout North and Central America and the Caribbean. Wynbrandt is also the author of Flying High (Wiley &amp; Sons), a biography of Jet Blue founder David Neeleman, as well as histories, references works, and books on a variety of other topics from major publishers. He lives in New York City.

Contributor - Business Aviation

James Wynbrandt

Austria’s Hilitech—the joint venture linking cabin interiors and composite materials specialists F/List and the Hintsteiner Group, respectively—has opened a new production plant in Kindberg. With more than 20,000 sq&nbsp;ft&nbsp;in its&nbsp;initial phase, the facility is expected to have 100 professionals on staff by year-end manufacturing its lightweight VIP and business aircraft cabin components and systems.

 


Hilitech’s offerings range from sliding doors, tables, toilet seats, and shower trays, to full lining accoutrements, high-end cabinets, and decorative carbon surfaces and applications. Proprietary production methods and a unique blend of materials produce parts 25 percent lighter than those made with conventional production techniques, according to the company.

 


The new facility will support variable manufacturing processes, allowing quick production of components for multiple areas of application. Production infrastructure at the new plant includes autoclave-/prepreg-technology, vacuum processes, compression molding, wet laminate technology, rapid prototyping technologies, CNC milling, prepreg cutter, and 3D scanning.

 


Hilitech produces all its tooling in-house for maximum precision and flexibility. The components, benefitting from high-quality veneer processing and high-gloss finishes by and through F/List, are delivered as a complete and tested interior solution.

 


In addition, Hilitech launched an apprentice training program “to build up and retain know-how and experts for the long term.”

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

Hilitech Opens New Plant for Lightweight Cabin Parts

The Kindberg plant will create lightweight cabin components and systems.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Sarah Rose

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Enhanced sound and 4K visuals added

Duncan Upgrades Falcon 900EX With New CMS System

Jessica Reed

Initial purchase of five terminals was announced at EBACE 2025

Falcon Charter Fleet Pioneers Gogo HDX in Middle East

Amy Wilder

Gogo CEO details STC progress, mixed-fleet compatibility, and Europe growth

Gogo Pushes Global Coverage with Galileo HDX Antenna

Matt Thurber

JetXP offers uncapped speed and new service enhancements

Viasat Improves Satcom Coverage in Middle East, South America

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Company's fleet, air charter, and sales activity rise

Global Jet Reports Growth across Divisions

System supports multiple input and output formats

Innovative Advantage Unveils New Signal Converter Box

Lightweight soft-case design tailored for bizjets

Aeromedic Unveils Regulation-compliant First Aid Kits

Charles Alcock

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

EBACE 2019

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics