Lufthansa Technik AG has entered into a joint venture with consumer electronics giant, LG Electronics (LG) to jointly develop, produce and market LG’s OLED displays for commercial aircraft cabins. The venture will be based in Hamburg, Germany and will commence operations in the first half of 2019, according to the companies.
The idea behind the venture is to combine LG’s lightweight and flexible OLED display technology with Lufthansa Technik’s expertise and acumen in aviation to create new markets for on-board aircraft applications such as welcome screens in entrance areas, and interior linings.
Welcome screens are becoming an increasingly popular idea in cabin designs, with part of the attraction being their ability to be optimized for different phases of a flight, from airline branding upon boarding, to retail offers during flight, to useful post-flight information during deplaning. Welcome screens could also have application in next-generation moving maps – see our feature in the September issue of Aircraft Interiors International for views from leading experts.
“We are very excited to be joining hands with Lufthansa Technik to expand the reach of LG’s innovative consumer electronic technologies to commercial aircraft,” said Kwon Soon-hwang, president of LG’s business-to-business division.
“Both partners contribute a globally recognized reputation in their respective business areas to create a new flying experience for passengers,” added Dr Johannes Bussmann, chairman of Lufthansa Technik’s executive board.
Closing of the agreement, which was inked earlier this week in Hamburg, is subject to regulatory approval.
