Boeing, in collaboration with LG Display and LIG Nex1, showcased OLED display technology at AIX and showed how such panels can be used for innovative cabin interiors.
The three companies have been working together since 2020 under a joint project led by the Boeing Korea Engineering Technology Center to develop smart cabin technology that adapts OLED technology for aerospace applications.
The galley design concept, developed by Boeing subsidiary EnCore Interiors, illustrates potential uses, with highlights including a 1.4m (55-inch) OLED panel integrated into the door monument entrance and curved OLED panels in the ceiling.
“Advanced OLED screens blend seamlessly into the cabin architecture, providing a modern aesthetic, and are also a powerful tool for airlines to better express their brand identity, engage with passengers in a more spontaneous way and drive additional revenue opportunities,” said Michael Sohn, vice president of commercial operations for Boeing Encore Interiors.
“With this OLED technology launch, we will continue to work together to help more Korean companies enter the aircraft interior market.”
LG Display was responsible for developing the OLED panels for aircraft, while LIG Nex1 led the development of the smart divider control network, as well as the software and hardware to operate the transparent and curved OLED panel systems in the aircraft environment with a low-power, highly efficient design.
“These things exist in our homes, but there are different requirements to fly them,” said Kelly Schabel, Boeing's managing director of marketing and sales support.
“With this space, airlines can do a lot of different things: branding displays, notices, safety information, advertising. So we ask for feedback from airlines: 'Is this interesting? How would you use this?'”
“This is a concept we showcased in our booth last year, but now we've taken it a step further.”
As one of the next steps in developing these technologies, Boeing plans to begin ground and flight testing of its OLED panel project this year in its ecoDemonstrator program.
