One solution fits all: Unlocking the full potential of the Airbus Semi-Finished Floor Panels

The floor panels of an aircraft are attached to the beams of the airframe, ultimately transferring the weight they are carrying onto the fuselage.

Floor panels need to be both strong and stiff to act as a supporting structure and durable to withstand use over time. But they also need to be light enough to help keep the aircraft’s weight low. They must meet all fire safety and toxicity requirements.

Airlines regularly check and replace floor panels during heavy maintenance checks (every 6 or 12 years) or cabin retrofits. A potential replacement depends on whether the damages exceed the repair limits listed in the Allowable Damage List of the aircraft’s Structure Repair Manual (SRM).

Typical damage includes delamination, scratches, holes and dents caused by dropped objects. Damage is not always visible in the passenger areas due to carpets. In the cargo areas, however, damages is directly visible and often needs to be tackled outside the maintenance checks.

Floor panels are designed to be versatile to enable a variety of cabin configurations.