This year, for the first time, an airline will get an Airbus A350 with dimmable windows instead of blinds. However, Lufthansa decided against the new technology.
When Boeing presented the Dreamliner in 2004, a technical detail caused a sensation not only among experts, but also among passengers. The manufacturer opted for dimmable windows for the new aircraft. Instead of having to pull down blinds, the Boeing 787 can be darkened at the push of a button.
There are several advantages. The dimmable windows let in less cold and are said to be more scratch-resistant. Above all, they can be controlled centrally. After dinner or before landing, the crew can black out centrally or let in the light. This simplifies the work and prevents discussions between guests if one wants to look out and wakes up the fellow passengers.
Airbus hesitated for a long time …
The first However, Dreamliner operators soon complained that the windows could not be darkened enough. As a result, passengers could not sleep properly. Later Boeing 787s were therefore delivered with improved dimming technology. Meanwhile, there is hardly any criticism, even if one 100% blackout still not possible is.
Although Airbus has been looking at the technology since 2013, the European aircraft manufacturer still hesitated for a long time. It was only two years ago that he announced that he would also do so in the future offer dimmable windows as an option on the A350. Airbus relies on a solution from the American supplier Gentex.
… and relies on choice
Airbus has already been able to convince at least one customer of this. The first A350 with dimmable windows will be delivered this year, a spokeswoman told aeroTELEGRAPH. She has not yet revealed which airline has opted for the option.
The new technology enables “control within seconds from full brightness to complete darkness and a completely darkened cabin,” says the spokeswoman. Compared to previous designs, the latest generation of dimmable windows can be darkened twice as fast and get 100 times darker. “This effectively eliminates more than 99.999 percent of visible light.”
Lufthansa declined with thanks
However, a large customer declines with thanks. “Lufthansa deliberately decided against the dimmable windows in the Airbus A350,” said a spokesman for the German airline. This is not due to the costs, but above all to the technology.