Among the world's leading aircraft manufacturers, Airbus stands out for its innovative fleet, including the iconic A320 series, the double-decker A380, and the technologically advanced A350. At the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France, the Mock-Up Centre offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience life-sized cabin replicas from every Airbus model. Our editorial team was invited to step inside this exclusive facility and discover how tomorrow’s flying experience is shaped.
The Airbus Mock-Up Centre is a haven for aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, where you can engage with expert staff who possess deep knowledge of aircraft interiors and engineering. Their insights address questions ranging from cabin ergonomics to the intricacies of onboard lighting and lavatory design.
While the centre serves as a decision-making hub for airline executives, design teams, and procurement specialists—often influencing multi-million-euro investments—it is not open to the general public. Entry is strictly by Airbus invitation and is reserved for those with a professional or media purpose. Typically, photography is not allowed, but as accredited media, we received special permission to document our visit.
Airbus A380 full-scale mock-up
Airbus A350
The Airbus A350, a flagship of modern efficiency and comfort, remains the centrepiece of the mock-up collection. Its reputation for long-range capability and passenger well-being has made it a favourite among global carriers since its commercial debut.
Our tour began at the rear entrance—commonly referred to as door 4—where we entered the economy section. While the business and first class zones were undergoing a refresh to reflect the latest luxury trends, our access was limited to economy. The forward cabin was being transformed to showcase the newest first-class concepts, a testament to Airbus’s ongoing commitment to premium travel experiences.
Since launch, the A350 has seen extensive customization by airlines, with a growing number introducing bespoke business and first class suites. The mock-up presents a testbed for evolving cabin design, allowing visitors to compare seat dimensions, materials, and layout—from 32-inch to 34-inch pitch, and a variety of seating ergonomics.
The A350 XWB cabin replica
The mock-up mirrors the real aircraft in meticulous detail, featuring authentic overhead bins, ambient LED lighting, and the latest in passenger electronics. Even with the cabin window shades drawn, the immersive realism is striking. A highlight for us was evaluating the tangible difference between seat widths, a detail that can transform passenger comfort on long-haul flights.
During our visit, an Airbus specialist demonstrated the latest programmable lighting effects, including projection systems capable of displaying airline branding or mood-enhancing visuals across cabin surfaces—a trend now adopted by leading airlines.
Adjacent to the full-scale cabin, a display of scale models offered a panoramic view of the A350-900 and A350-1000 interiors, including cockpit layouts and ancillary zones, providing a comprehensive perspective on this state-of-the-art aircraft.
Model of the Airbus A350-1000
Airbus A320
We continued our exploration with the ever-popular Airbus A320, a mainstay of European and global short-haul fleets. The latest evolution, the A320neo, is now ubiquitous, featuring enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced cabin noise.
The mock-up presented for our visit was in fact an A321, the A320’s larger sibling, offering greater capacity and range.
At the front of the aircraft, we experienced a true business class cabin, complete with plush 2-2 seating, echoing the premium offerings on carriers such as Aeroflot and others. The meticulous table settings, with fine china and crystal glassware, recreated the authentic ambience of in-flight service at its best.
Airbus A320 business class mock-up cabin
Behind the business cabin, several economy configurations were on display, featuring four of the most widely used seat models. Airlines like Lufthansa, Air France, and Swiss currently deploy these options across their fleets. The mock-up allowed us to physically compare seat pitch and width, highlighting the noticeable difference an extra inch can make—from 17 to 18 inches wide. The cabin was also equipped with various in-flight entertainment screens, reflecting the trend toward personalisation even on short-haul routes.
Airbus A320 Economy Class mock-up cabin
Accessibility innovation was also showcased, with Airbus’s latest wheelchair-accessible lavatory. This smart design links two adjacent lavatories via a movable partition, creating a single, spacious facility that allows independent access for wheelchair users—an industry-leading standard now being rolled out across new deliveries.
Airbus A320 accessible lavatory mock-up
Other aircraft and cabins
Time constraints limited our ability to explore every mock-up in the centre, but the allure of the full-scale Airbus A380—complete with its signature dual decks—was undeniable. The expansive facility provides Airbus with the ability to demonstrate an array of cabin layouts and customizations, making it an invaluable resource for airline partners.
Also on display was a combined model of the Airbus A330 and A340, illustrating the similarities and subtle differences in their cabin configurations. This dual mock-up allows for side-by-side evaluation of seating, lighting, and spatial design between these two long-haul workhorses.
Airbus A330 / Airbus A340 mock-up cabin
Airbus Corporate Jet
Tucked away at the far end of the hall, the Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ) mock-up offers a glimpse into the world of bespoke, ultra-premium aviation. Beyond serving airlines, Airbus caters to governments, corporations, and private individuals seeking tailored solutions for heads of state, dignitaries, and VIPs. The ACJ range, especially popular in A319 and A320 configurations, is renowned for its flexibility and luxury, though any Airbus model can be customized for private use.
While we were only able to view the mock-up briefly, it was clear that Airbus’s design team is pushing the boundaries of in-flight comfort and personalisation, with a wealth of options for layout, finishes, and technology integration—setting the benchmark for the business aviation sector.
Airbus Corporate Jet mock-up cabin
