Goodbye curtain, electronic windows debut on A350: Starlux's is world's first

Electronic windows on board aircraft have debuted aboard Boeing's 787 and have not been adopted on any other model since, partly because of the delay in the development of the 777x. Now, however, Airbus has also decided to put this option for customers who have ordered its flagship model-the A350.

The difference between the Dreamliner and the European flagship is that customers purchasing the A350 will be able to decide whether to have traditional curtains or the new electronic systems.

Personally I've never been a big fan of dimmer windows, not only because they do not obscure at 100% the cabin, but mainly because many crews "prevent" passengers from using them. Since it is an electronic system, it is possible for cabin attendants to govern all the windows with two clicks.

For example, by inhibiting its use during a long-haul daytime flight, thus preventing a passenger from brightly illuminating the entire cabin. Which is obviously not possible with the physical curtain, unless you baton the passenger every time he dares to touch it.

Airbus' product, however, promises to be different in terms of operation as well:

• Opening and closing will be twice as fast
• 99.99% of the light will be blocked
• The darkness will be 100 times greater

Of course, Airbus does not say with respect to what as it communicates its data, but it is easy to understand that the reference is the Dreamliner's windows since no one else has this technology.

In conclusion

The premise is interesting; having been more than 11 years since this technology debuted on the 787, it is imaginable that it has been greatly improved both in terms of operation and cost to carriers. Now all that remains is to experience this innovation firsthand.

Have you flown on the 787, do you like the electronic curtain? Write us your opinions in the comments