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.

Source

Airlines

DOT Proposes New Passenger Compensation Rules for Flight Disruptions

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has unveiled a major initiative to enhance protections for air travelers affected by flight cancellations or significant delays caused by airlines.

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This Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) seeks public feedback on new measures that could require airlines to compensate passengers and provide necessary services automatically.

Key Proposals by the DOT:

Cash Compensation for Airline-Caused Disruptions
- Airlines may be required to pay passengers at least $200 in cash for flight disruptions caused by circumstances under their control, such as mechanical issues or IT failures.
- A tiered compensation system is being considered:
  - $200–$300 for domestic delays of 3–6 hours.
  - $375–$525 for delays lasting 6–9 hours.
  - $750–$775 for delays exceeding 9 hours.
- The DOT is exploring whether smaller airlines should have different compensation thresholds and whether compensation is needed if passengers are notified weeks in advance of a disruption.
Free Rebooking on the Next Available Flight
- Airlines may be obligated to rebook passengers at no extra cost if a flight is canceled or delayed by at least 3 hours domestically or 6 hours internationally.
- Rebooking options may include:
  - Flights operated by the airline or its codeshare partners.
  - Flights on other carriers with which the airline has a commercial agreement if no suitable options are available within 24 hours.
Provision of Meals, Lodging, and Transportation
- Airlines may need to cover meals, overnight accommodations, and transportation for stranded passengers.
- Minimum reimbursements could be established when services aren’t provided upfront, ensuring passengers can recoup costs even without submitting receipts, up to a defined limit.

The DOT’s proposals draw inspiration from consumer protection frameworks in countries like Canada, Brazil, the UK, and the European Union. Research suggests that EU compensation requirements have successfully reduced the frequency and length of delays, demonstrating the effectiveness of such measures.

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Passengers currently face numerous hurdles when seeking compensation or services, including vague policies, lack of upfront communication, and reliance on in-person requests at airports. The new rulemaking aims to close these gaps by establishing clear, enforceable standards for airlines.

Public input on the proposed measures will shape the final rules. The DOT hopes these changes will create a more accountable and passenger-friendly system, ensuring travelers are better supported during disruptions.

With these proposed rules, the DOT seeks to make airline travel more reliable and fair, setting a new standard for passenger rights in the United States.