Airblade: Emirates Airlines provides new and innovative windows for Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X aircraft

Window panels in aircraft cabins have remained devoid of innovations for many decades. Its structure and function were very simple. If the passenger does not want to let the light in, he pulls them down. Whoever wants to look should leave them.

That changed with the Dreamliner. Boeing no longer uses the classic manual shutters installed on the 787, but now has dimmable windows instead. This has advantages because the crew can dim or brighten all the windows with the push of a button. Meanwhile, travelers can adjust the light intensity individually.

Dim windows cause trouble

Both systems have advantages and disadvantages. Classic panels are easy to use and inexpensive. Dimmable windows are convenient for the crew and allow for constant organization, but in reality they are frustrating for guests because, even after improvements, they cannot be completely dark.

Aerospace Technologies Group’s Airblade: Electronically controlled. Image: Aerospace Technologies Group

So Boeing is once again offering both systems on the 777X – classic panels and adjustable light windows. According to the current situation, Lufthansa has decided on a different solution depending on the category. Airbus has long been skeptical, but has recently begun offering both options for the A350. The Europeans found their first buyer in Qantas, which opted for dimmable windows.

Best of both worlds

Emirates will be the first airline in the world to rely on a temporary solution, as the trade magazine first reported on aboard of the plane mentioned. The Gulf airline is installing Aerospace Technologies Group’s Airblade windows on its latest aircraft. The American company praises it as a solution that combines the best of both worlds. The function of the windows is identical to the classic panels, but is electronically controlled. It can be controlled via switches located on the underside of the window, in the seat and in the middle by the cabin crew. So you no longer have a handle.

In the Premium version, Aerblade windows allow for three states: full light, sun blocking, and full blackout. There is a second colored panel in the window. It will allow occupants to block the sun’s rays while maintaining outward visibility.

Overall not more expensive

While Emirates will install the simple version of the Airblade in economy class, the dual-panel version will be available in business and premium economy class. The golf airline will introduce the new windows in 2024 with the arrival of the first Airbus A350. But they will also get the Boeing 777X.

Manufacturer Aerospace Technologies Group explains that the new windows can also be retrofitted into existing aircraft. In addition, the costs during the entire period of use are not higher than the cost of classic manual shutters. It is currently available for the Airbus A321 Neo, A330, A330 Neo, A350 and Boeing 737 MAX, 777 and 777X aircraft.