MRO & Manufacturing
Swiss Airlines First in Europe to Retrofit Overhead Bins with Diehl MLS
Swiss International Air Lines installs Diehl Aviation’s Mechanical Lift System on Airbus A350, easing overhead bin closing by 30% without reducing storage space.
This article is based on an official press release from Diehl Aviation.
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has become the first European carrier to implement Diehl Aviation’s Mechanical Lift System (MLS), a new retrofit designed to make closing overhead bins significantly easier for cabin crews. According to a recent press release from Diehl Aviation, the inaugural installation was successfully completed on a SWISS Airbus A350 aircraft, signaling the beginning of a broader fleet-wide rollout.
The modification aims to address a common ergonomic challenge faced by flight attendants, particularly on long-haul routes where passengers frequently board with heavy carry-on luggage. By reducing the physical exertion required to secure the cabin before takeoff, the system promises to improve daily working conditions for crew members.
Easing the Burden for Cabin Crews
Mechanical Lift System Details
The core advantage of the Mechanical Lift System is its ability to decrease the force needed to push overhead bins closed by up to 30 percent, as stated in the Diehl Aviation release. This reduction is achieved entirely through mechanical means, avoiding the complexity and potential failure points associated with electrical components.
Because the system operates without electricity, Diehl Aviation notes that it remains highly reliable and straightforward to maintain during standard airline operations. For flight attendants, the 30 percent reduction in lifting force translates to less physical strain during the demanding boarding and cabin preparation phases.
Retrofit Process and Fleet Rollout
Seamless Integration
A key feature of the MLS is its design as a dedicated retrofit solution. The company confirmed that the system can be integrated into existing overhead bins without changing the overall cabin architecture or sacrificing any stowage volume. This allows airlines to upgrade their current interiors without undertaking a massive cabin overhaul.
The initial installation on the SWISS Airbus A350 was executed collaboratively by SWISS TechOps and specialists from Diehl Aviation’s Customer Service and On-Site Support teams. The process involved structural adjustments to the bins and housings, followed by reinstallation. To ensure a smooth transition, Diehl Aviation provided hands-on training to SWISS engineering staff, enabling the local maintenance organization to manage future modifications efficiently.
“With the Mechanical Lift System, we deliver practical operational improvements to aircraft already in service,” said Jörg Schuler, CEO of Diehl Aviation. “Drawing on decades of service and aftermarket experience, we provide solutions that directly benefit airlines and their crews. In this case, the system reduces physical workload, fits seamlessly into existing cabins, and maintains operational reliability, showing our holistic approach to enhancing in-service aircraft.”
AirPro News analysis
We note that the introduction of the Mechanical Lift System highlights a growing industry focus on crew ergonomics and workplace safety. As carry-on baggage allowances and passenger habits lead to heavier overhead bins, cabin crews face increased risks of repetitive strain injuries. Solutions like the MLS address these occupational hazards directly.
Furthermore, the fact that this system can be installed during regular maintenance windows without reducing bin capacity makes it an attractive proposition for airlines looking to modernize aging fleets. Diehl Aviation indicated that a U.S. airline also began retrofitting its fleet with the MLS last year, suggesting that international demand for crew-centric, low-downtime cabin upgrades is steadily increasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mechanical Lift System (MLS)?
The MLS is a purely mechanical retrofit solution developed by Diehl Aviation that reduces the force required to close aircraft overhead bins by up to 30 percent.
Which airline is the first in Europe to use the MLS?
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is the first European carrier to install the system, beginning with an Airbus A350 aircraft.
Does the MLS reduce overhead bin storage space?
No. According to Diehl Aviation, the system integrates into existing bins without altering the cabin architecture or reducing the available stowage volume.
Sources
Photo Credit: Diehl Aviation