SCHROTH to Equip Airbus Jets with New Cockpit Security Barriers by 2025

SCHROTH Safety Products GmbH, a leader in aviation safety equipment, is set to enhance cockpit security across major Airbus models with a new secondary barrier. This development comes in response to the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, signed into law by President Joe Biden, which mandates physical secondary barriers for all new commercial aircraft in the US by mid-2025, with existing fleets to follow.

During the recent Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, SCHROTH unveiled the Installed Physical Secondary Barrier (IPSB) that will be integrated into the Airbus A320, A330, and A350 series. This line-fitted system is designed to prevent unauthorized cockpit access during periods when the cockpit door is opened, such as pilot breaks or meal services.

Historically, airlines have used trolleys to block access during these times, but the new regulation calls for a more secure solution. The IPSB features a patented locking mechanism that delays entry, providing critical response time for pilots to secure the cockpit.

Martin Nadol, president of SCHROTH, highlighted the company’s readiness to meet these new safety standards, citing their extensive experience in cockpit security components, including the A350 cockpit door module. The IPSB’s innovative design is compact, accommodating the aircraft’s structural movements and vibrations, and does not hinder cabin crew operations in the galley.

This safety enhancement is poised to set a new standard in airline security, with SCHROTH already selected by Airbus to outfit its large twinjet fleets delivered to U.S. carriers from mid-2025. Retrofit options will also be available, ensuring comprehensive adoption across various aircraft models.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, runwaygirlnetwork.com