At the 2024 Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) last week, Collins Aerospace and Panasonic Avionics revealed their latest collaboration: Maya, a vision for next-generation business class suites. According to Panasonic, Maya promises to elevate the business class experience through its cutting-edge features and seamless integration of technology. The suite’s standout feature is the Astrova Curve, a 45-inch ultra-wide, ultra-high-definition OLED display. This display, which includes a headphone-less audio system, offers passengers a cinematic viewing experience that is significantly more immersive than traditional in-flight entertainment systems. The screen’s 21:9 CinemaScope format mirrors that of movie theaters, making it the first of its kind in the sky.
Maya’s technological advancements extend beyond entertainment. The suite features the Adapt controller, allowing passengers to sync their personal electronic devices, such as smartphones or tablets, to control their seating environment. This system supports advanced mobility, sensory, cognitive, and language accommodations, catering to passengers of varying abilities.
Maya is also sustainability minded. The suite uses recycled, reusable, and plant-based materials, along with Starlight composite structures, to reduce production waste and improve product circularity. Its modular design supports mid-life upgrades, and simple disassembly processes.
Although Maya is still in the concept stage, its unveiling at AIX is meant to garner feedback from customers and industry experts. It would be something special if it ever makes it into an actual airline cabin.
