British Airways looks for new ways to use 3-D printing to make the flight experience easier and more efficient. The airline says 3-D printing could reduce delays caused by aircraft part delivery and also cut emissions resulting from deliveries.

British Airways predicts airlines first turn to 3-D printing to supply non-essential cabin parts, such as tray tables, entertainment systems and toilets. Other items possibly impacted by 3-D printing capabilities in the future include aircraft windows, products for amenity kits, on-board cutlery, seats, baggage containers, circuit boards for electrical components, flight deck switches and eventually aircraft shells.

3-D printers are capable of producing parts as strong and durable as traditional parts, but weighing up to 55 percent less.

“We work with start-ups and innovation partners from around the world to explore and implement the very latest technologies, from artificial intelligence to speed up turnaround times to biometrics, helping us to deliver a seamless airport experience for customers. 3-D printing is yet another advancement that will keep us at the forefront of airline innovation,” said Ricardo Vidal, head of innovation, British Airways.