Summary
- Airbus will introduce dimmable windows on the A330neo starting in 2027.
- Customers can choose between dimmable or mechanical windows.
- The new feature allows for customization and consistency in the cabin experience.
Airbus will add an option for dimmable windows on the Airbus A330neo, an aircraft that has adopted many features from the A350. For several years, electronically dimmable windows in commercial aviation were found on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner until Airbus introduced the new technology on the A350.
A330neo dimmable window option
Although passengers worldwide have expressed mixed reactions to dimmable windows, the European manufacturer is set to add the option on the A330neo starting in 2027. Airbus revealed plans for the new cabin feature at the Aircraft Interiors Expo 2024 in Hamburg, Germany.
Photo: Tom Boon | Simple Flying
The feature will be an option between door 1 and door 2. However, the windows can be swapped out with electrical mechanical windows as a snap-out snap-in. The new A330neos will be produced with dimmable windows, but they can be swapped out if they don’t work for the customer. Similarly, it will be an option for new customers who purchase old aircraft and want to change them.
Related
The US Has More Airbus A330neo Flights Than Any Other Country
The US sees a significant number of A330-900 flights, but none operated by the A330-800.
It has been nearly ten years since Airbus officially launched the A330neo, adding two new members (A330-800 and A330-900) to its widebody family. With Airbus designing aircraft as a family, many features found on the A350 were also implemented on the A330neo. This helps airlines offer a consistent cabin experience across their fleets.
Mixed reaction on dimmable windows
Aircraft cabin designs have changed significantly over the years, with manufacturers improving several elements, such as lighting, overhead bins, in-flight entertainment, and windows. Boeing introduced electronically dimmable windows on the 787 Dreamliner, which has the largest windows of any passenger aircraft.
Photo: Boeing
With electronically dimmable windows, passengers can control the amount of light entering the cabin by pressing two buttons. In turn, the windows gradually lighten or darken. While the technology behind it is impressive, the feature has received mixed reactions over the years. During daytime flights, the windows can still let some light and heat in, even on the darkest setting.
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Why The Boeing 787 Has Dimmable Windows
Another feature some passengers aren’t particularly stoked about is that the cabin crew can lock the windows in a particular setting. If the windows are darkened on overnight flights, you might not be able to see anything outside the aircraft. However, the new technology has its advantages, including the fact you can still see what is outside despite the sun’s sometimes intense glare.
New window technology on the A350
Airbus introduced electronically dimmable windows on the flagship A350 some years after passengers had experienced it on the Dreamliner. The manufacturer announced that the widebodies delivered from 2022 would have the new feature. However, Airbus noted that it was an improvement to existing technology, saying,
“Now that electro-dimmable window (EDW) technology has matured, Airbus is pleased to offer this solution to its customers of the newest version of the A350 Family now being delivered. Compared with previous designs, the latest generation of EDWs, developed by Gentex, darken twice as fast and become 100 times darker than the original version.”
Photo: Airbus
Additionally, Airbus claims that the windows block 99.999% of visible light and infra-red energy from the sun, helping to keep the cabin cooler. Taipei-based STARLUX was the first operator to select the new windows for its A350s. However, in 2022, one of the largest A350 operators, Lufthansa, was not interested in the dimmable windows.
Where do you stand on electronically dimmable windows? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!