Redesigned business class airplane seat features a massive 45-inch television monitor.
Even if you purchase the most expensive seats on an aircraft, the built-in cabin screen is probably of lower quality compared to your iPhone.
To change this, Collins Aerospace, a leading airplane seat manufacturer, and Panasonic Avionics, a top in-flight entertainment provider, have teamed up. They presented MAYA, a futuristic business class seat that boasts a 45-inch, ultra-wide, ultra-high-definition OLED display.
The screen synchronizes with passengers' personal devices, showcasing a remarkable headphone-less audio system. These features combine to create an "immersive experience" for the traveler, according to Andrew Masson, vice president of product management and strategy at Panasonic Avionics.
MAYA (which stands for "Most Advanced Yet Achievable") was among the most talked-about innovations at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, Germany.
Masson claims that the concept has received positive feedback from industry experts at the event.
"It was seen by many as a significant step forward in premium travel, and aligned with their needs for enhancing the passenger experience," he tells CNN Travel.
Cinematic experience
MAYA's curved screen has three times the size of traditional business class seats. The makers of the concept also aim to provide an Ultra-Widescreen CinemaScope (21:9) display for a cinematic experience, a format more commonly seen in theaters.
While the screen is the "cinematic centerpiece" of MAYA's design, the screen offers more than just watching movies. Passengers can use the screen to request in-flight meals, view maps, and connect to their personal devices.
MAYA may not be ideal for every passenger due to the prominence of the screen in the suite. However, for those who choose to watch films while flying, the seat has a major appeal.
When asked about the risk of the highly advanced display becoming outdated in a future marked by rapid technological changes, Masson suggests that the screen can be upgraded over time using a "sustainable technology path."
"Given the integral role within the suite, we don't foresee any risk of obsolescence," he says.
At the moment, MAYA is just a product concept, with specifications, production, processes, and timelines still to be finalized.
Despite these unresolved aspects, Masson and his team remain optimistic about MAYA.
"We showcased MAYA to many airlines at AIX, and the feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive," he says.
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The collaboration between Collins Aerospace and Panasonic Avionics aims to revolutionize in-flight entertainment, offering business class travelers a cinematic experience with a 45-inch OLED display and Ultra-Widescreen CinemaScope format.
Despite rapid technological changes, Masson believes the advanced display in MAYA can be upgraded sustainably to maintain its appeal and relevance for passengers.
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