RX Global has appointed Archana Dharni as the new event director of Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) and Passenger Experience Conference (PEC). She will oversee the delivery of the events, which focus on the cabin interiors and IFE industry.
Dharni brings more than 20 years’ expertise in event management, with roles across marketing, strategy, commercial and operational delivery. During this time, she has worked in a diverse range of sectors, including technology, aviation, packaging, manufacturing and alternative energies.
At RX, Dharni managed AIX’s co-located event, World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) from 2013 to 2020, during which time the event grew year-on-year. Over the past few years, she has worked on various strategic projects to grow AIX and WTCE. Most recently she was responsible for the marketing of AIX, as well as delivering the Cabin Space Live and PEC educational programmes.
Dharni succeeds Polly Magraw – AIX’s event director from 2015 to 2024 – who has moved into a new strategic role at RX. As portfolio director of transport, Magraw becomes responsible for the strategic vision and direction of a number of global events, specifically AIX, WTCE, the Airport Show Dubai, Inter Airport Europe, Railtex, and Sifer Expo.
Under Magraw’s stewardship, AIX grew in strength and size, with more than 350 exhibiting companies and attracting more than 12,000 international attendees in 2024. Since the show originally launched more than two decades ago, the show has run 23 editions.
“It’s a privilege to step into this role after a decade working closely with AIX, PEC and all of its partners,” said Archana Dharni, event director for AIX. “I’ve witnessed first-hand how the event has grown and become increasingly important to the global cabin interiors industry, which is down to Polly’s exceptional vision and leadership. I’m excited to build on that strong foundation and further enhance the event’s global reputation. We’re already deep into planning for 2025 and can’t wait to present the next edition with new features and themes.”
Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) will take place in Halls B1-B7 at the Hamburg Messe, Germany, on 8-10 April 2025. The event will be co-located with the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE) in Halls A1 and A4, following the Passenger Experience Conference (PEC) on 7 April.
