Aircraft Lavatory and Galley Refurbishment: Sourcing the Right Shop
Lavatory and galley refurbishment is one of the most frequently outsourced cabin maintenance tasks during scheduled heavy checks. As airlines push aircraft utilization higher and cabin interiors face accelerated wear, demand for specialized refurbishment shops has grown significantly. The global aircraft interior refurbishment and repair market was valued at approximately USD 1.8 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 2.6 billion by 2031.
Why Specialized Shops Matter
Large full-service MROs typically bundle lavatory and galley work into broader C-check packages, often at premium pricing. Specialized shops—focused exclusively on interior components—can deliver faster turnaround, lower cost, and deeper expertise for these specific assemblies. For fleet managers running tight schedules, this difference translates directly to reduced aircraft-on-ground (AOG) time.
Key Capabilities to Evaluate
- Regulatory Certification
- FAA Part 145, EASA Part 145, or equivalent national authority approval is mandatory. Verify the shop holds the specific ratings for the aircraft type and component class you need serviced.
- OEM Relationships
- Shops with authorized service agreements from OEMs like Safran Cabin, Diehl Aviation, or Jamco can access proprietary repair data, genuine parts, and factory-backed warranty coverage.
- PMA and DER Capabilities
- Shops offering FAA-PMA parts or employing DER engineers can provide cost-effective alternatives to OEM parts while maintaining airworthiness compliance.
- 3D Scanning and Digital Workflows
- Leading shops like MAC Aero Interiors have adopted handheld 3D scanning for precise measurement of lavatory components, improving fit accuracy and reducing rework during reinstallation.
Major Players in the Market
The landscape ranges from global OEM aftermarket divisions to regional specialists:
| Segment | Examples | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| OEM Aftermarket | Safran Cabin, Diehl Aviation, Jamco | Proprietary data, full galley/lavatory lines |
| Independent MRO | Aereos, C&L Aviation, Atlanta Aviation International | Competitive pricing, flexible scheduling |
| Interior Specialists | MAC Aero Interiors, AIM Altitude, Bucher Leichtbau | Custom solutions, premium finishes |
Certification and Compliance Considerations
Any shop performing lavatory and galley refurbishment must comply with the aircraft type certificate holder’s structural repair manual (SRM) and component maintenance manual (CMM). For U.S.-registered aircraft, FDA compliance under 21 CFR is required for potable water system components within galleys and lavatories. Shops like FDA Aerospace Solutions specialize specifically in this regulatory intersection.