PPG Aerospace survey shows travellers interested in electronic window system

“Air travelers on commercial and private-jet flights like the idea of electronic systems they control to lighten and darken passenger-cabin windows, preferring the light transition to occur at a moderate rather than rapid speed,” said Ryan Aspy market development manager.

In a survey of private-jet fliers, 71 percent of respondents said a passenger-controlled window darkening system would improve their flying experience, with two-thirds of participants saying they would request such a system on their next aircraft.

In another survey of commercial fliers, about three-fourths of respondents said controlling a window’s external lighting is important for resting or relaxing, reading, watching a movie or working on a laptop computer.

The surveys were conducted for PPG by an independent research company to qualify fliers’ interest in electronic window-dimming systems.

PPG Aerospace supplies aircraft manufacturers with Alteos Interactive Window Systems that enable passengers to control the amount of light coming through their cabin windows.

“Sixty percent of respondents in the commercial-flier survey and 52 percent in the private-jet flier survey said they prefer the shading to change in about 30 seconds.

Having hard data on fliers’ preferences enables us to work with our customers to fine-tune and customise the operation of Alteos window systems. Participants in both surveys said they were most interested in a passenger-controlled system that shields heat and glare while enabling them to see outside clearly. Knowing fliers prefer light transmittance to change at a moderate speed, rather than abruptly, shows us we are on the right track,” said Aspy.