Airlines

Emirates Sets the Standard with Game-Changing Window Shade on A350 and 777X

Emirates becomes the launch customer of ATG’s (Aerospace Technology Group) aerBlade™ window shade, which will be installed in the airline’s upcoming Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X fleet.

The aerBlade single blind system will debut in economy class when the Emirates A350 enters service in 2024, while the aerBlade dual blind system will be offered in business and premium economy class.

With the push of a button, passengers in window seats can adjust the amount of light entering their seats—from clear to completely dark—thanks to the electronically operated aerBlade shade system. To ensure that the window shades are open before takeoff and landing, crew members can use a control panel to automatically lower and raise all of the window shades.

How aerBlade works

Aircraft owners and operators can customize the electronically operated shades on the aerBlade to match their cabin décor schemes, unlike the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s electrochromic dimmable windows. There is a clear protective lens on the inboard passenger side of the dual and single-blind versions.

Passengers can partially block bright sunlight and still enjoy views outside the aircraft with the dual-shade version, which has a second translucent shade with a tint. In place of the “black hole” effect, ATG claims that when the aerBlade’s opaque shade is lowered, complete darkness of outside light is accomplished and the operator’s preferred pattern is shown in the window aperture.

Future aerBlade models for commercial aircraft, such as the Airbus A330, A321LR, and A321XLR, will be available from ATG. In the third quarter of 2024, a version for the Boeing 777-9 (777X) will be made available.

These choices will broaden the current selection. These days, business jets with small, mid, and large cabins as well as the premium class cabins of some Boeing 777-300ER, A380, and A350 aircraft are equipped with ATG electric window shades.

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Airlines

SAS Relaxes Dress Code: Flight Crew Can Wear Sneakers and Show Tattoos

In a bold move to modernize its image and foster inclusivity, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has announced a significant update to its uniform policy.

SAS allows flight attendants to have visible tattoos

Effective immediately, the airline’s flight attendants and front-facing employees are now permitted to display visible tattoos and wear sneakers while on duty. This decision positions SAS among a progressive group of airlines that are reevaluating and relaxing their long-standing grooming and dress code standards.

Starting today, our team members can proudly display their tattoos and wear sneakers while in uniform! This change is a part of our commitment to a modern, inclusive, and welcoming environment. 🧑‍✈️ #flysas pic.twitter.com/eGvTAJ9Lsm— SAS – Scandinavian Airlines (@SAS) July 1, 2024

The announcement was made on Monday, marking a departure from decades-old policies that enforced a strict and uniform appearance among crew members. This shift is part of SAS’s broader commitment to creating a more modern, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

The airline aims to reflect a diverse and contemporary workforce, thereby enhancing its appeal both to current employees and potential recruits. SAS’s new policy reflects a growing trend within the aviation industry, as airlines recognize the importance of individuality and personal expression among their employees.

Virgin Atlantic, Alaska Airlines, and Air Canada have also adopted

By allowing visible tattoos and sneakers, SAS joins the ranks of Virgin Atlantic, Alaska Airlines, and Air Canada, all of which have already made similar changes. This shift is seen as a strategic move to attract and retain talent in an increasingly competitive job market.

The decision to relax uniform policies is not without limitations. While SAS is embracing a more casual and expressive dress code, certain guidelines remain in place to ensure a professional appearance. Sneakers must be of an appropriate color that complements the uniform, and tattoos must not be offensive or inappropriate.

These boundaries help balance personal expression with the need to maintain a cohesive and professional brand image. For decades, flight attendants around the world have had to conform to rigid dress codes that restricted visible tattoos and mandated specific footwear.