Customized Solutions with Pacelab ACE myCabin

A custom software tool developed by PACE

The A350 XWB Customer Definition Centre (CDC) in Hamburg is the physical manifestation of this new approach – a unique product showroom for the creative possibilities of the available product options and, quite literally, a guided walk through the cabin definition process: Airline delegations proceed through an array of carefully designed zones intended to facilitate the decision-making process. These include functional play rooms for cabin equipment testing, inspiring exhibition areas for typical airline A350 XWB product staging, well-fitted design studios for material definitions and purpose built customer-specific cabin mock-up areas.

To fuse the individual choices for seats, monuments and other items into a coherent and fully compliant cabin configuration, the CDC takes advantage of the A350 XWB Configurator, a custom software tool developed by PACE.

VR Screen with A350 XWB Configurator, © Airbus

PACE: A long-time Airbus partner 

When Airbus was looking for a central configuration tool for its new aircraft models, it was natural to invite PACE to tender a solution as they had already supplied cabin configuration software for the manufacturer’s single-aisle and long-range programs.

An extended period of close collaboration between the two companies resulted in the A350 XWB Configurator, which supports Airbus-specific policies and work processes while drawing on the mature technology and core functional scope of PACE’s off-the-shelf software Pacelab ACE myCabin.

Key features shared by the A350 XWB Configurator include:

• Clear interface to present product options in a transparent and highly visual manner
• Flexible configuration scope, from LOPA definition to detailed monument and systems setup
• Automated rule checks to monitor technical feasibility and certification requirements
• Real-time 3D engine to show customers how their choices affect the appearance of the cabin
• Customizable export options for technical drawings and contractual documentation

Design Studio, © Airbus

Highly immersive experiences courtesy of Pacelab

Since the A350 XWB Configurator went into service in 2013, it has supported both client-facing and back-office engineering tasks throughout the entire customization process, from commercial marketing to “freezing” the design in the CDC.

Coupled with high-end 3D rendering tools and displayed on large virtual reality screens, the A350 XWB Configurator significantly contributes to the highly immersive customer experience which is the hallmark of the CDC.

As one of the key elements of Airbus’s customization mix, the A350 XWB Configurator helps to reduce lead times and promotes an efficient communication between all process stakeholders.

Inspire Mock-up "Smart Tech", © Airbus