Aviation

The Qantas A350’s E-windows, controlled by the crew, can be adjusted to turn dark or bright

Qantas is set to revolutionize the flying experience on its non-stop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to London and New York by introducing advanced ‘e-glass’ technology. This innovation replaces traditional pull-down plastic window shades with electronically dimmable windows, similar to those found on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The Airbus A350‘s “e-windows,” which are more advanced than those on the Dreamliner, are a more modern addition. The windows are made of two thin glass layers separated by a clear electrochromic gel. Passengers can control window tint at the touch of a button with this gel, which responds to an electric current by changing from clear to an “ultra-dark” setting.

The e-windows on the A350 exhibit exceptional speed and responsiveness in contrast to the Dreamliner. In a test on Airbus’s Airspace Explore A350, a light touch on the built-in dimmer strip quickly turned the windows from clear to black. The windows could be smoothly adjusted to dim by holding down the button.

Airbus Hits the Jackpot in December 2023 with Record-Breaking Aircraft Orders — Airbus A350XWB Demo Flight

Notable e-windows on the A350 offer a nearly full blackout experience with their ‘ultra-dark’ setting, which blocks out 99.99% of visible light. According to the window manufacturer Gentex, the A350 windows also prevent infrared waves, which raises the temperature inside the cabin.

The cabin crew can control the windows collectively from the front of the plane, allowing for a coordinated adjustment that mimics the traditional approach of crew members walking through the cabin to manage window shades.

Qantas has planned to integrate these cutting-edge window technologies into its Project Sunrise A350s, which are scheduled to arrive in 2025. To minimize jet lag effects and help adjust circadian rhythms, LED lighting schemes throughout the cabin will allow for gentle transitions between colors and intensities that have been scientifically tested.

Source

Aviation

Boeing Faces New Setbacks as 777X Delays Extend and scraps B767-300F

Boeing’s challenges continue as employees halted production due to a strike, creating new obstacles for delivering aircraft to customers. The company now faces financial losses from delays in the delivery of its boeing 777x aircraft.

Boeing recently announced that the new delivery date for the 777-9 will be in 2026, with the freighter variant scheduled for 2028. This news has been frustrating for airlines that have committed to and are waiting for the aircraft.

Mega Comparison of Boeing 777x vs A350-1000 Aircraft

The Boeing 777X program, which began in early 2019, was initially delayed to 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions. Subsequent issues, including defects found during testing, have placed the program under scrutiny by the FAA, which insists on the aircraft meeting all safety standards before entering service. Boeing is now facing pressure from both airlines and investors.

Boeing 777x Delay

New Commercial Airplanes expects to incur pre-tax charges of $3.0 billion related to the Boeing 777X and 767 programs.

The company forecasts a $2.6 billion pre-tax charge due to the updated timeline, which accounts for delays in flight testing for the 777-9 and the impact of the IAM (International Association of Machinists) work stoppage. The first 777-9 delivery is now expected in 2026, with the 777-8 freighter following in 2028.

Exploring the Boeing 777x: Highlights from the Debut at …

In addition, Boeing plans to conclude production of the 767 freighter, resulting in a $0.4 billion pre-tax charge. From 2027 onwards, the company will solely produce the 767-2C aircraft for the KC-46A Tanker program.

In August 2024, Boeing grounded its 777X test fleet after detecting a failure in a key engine mounting structure during a routine inspection. The new boeing 777x, powered by the GE9X engine, is the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, but this issue has caused further setbacks.

Boeing 777x, A close-up of the engine, landing gear, and wing

Comparison of 777x vs A350

Meanwhile, the Airbus A350 continues to secure new orders from airlines, becoming a strong competitor in the wide-body aircraft segment. While the a350 vs b777 offer similar ranges, the 777X is designed to carry a heavier payload.

In other developments, Boeing has hinted at starting production of a new mid-sized aircraft, the Boeing 797, which would likely compete with the Airbus A321 XLR.