Lufthansa Technik recently unveiled a few new cabin products – a heating system for floor panels and three options for inflight USB charging.
The company worked with Austrian firm Villinger to develop HeatNOW. The solution has a self-regulating heated coating. Lufthansa Technik says the product’s internal electrical resistance increases with higher temperatures, avoiding hot spots and the possibility of damage resulting from thermal effects. Layers of carbon fiber protect the heated coating on both sides. The heating pad is designed to be thin and flexible so it can be removed and exchanged without much effort.
Lufthansa Technik will offer HeatNOW as a complete installation kit, readily assembled for various aircraft types. The system is currently being tested for the A320, B737 and B757.
Lufthansa Technik also unveiled three solutions for USB charging: either installed in the overhead panel or directly attached to the seat. The latter option also offers additional revenue possibilities.
The first solution can be installed in the passenger service unit within the overhead panel and is supplied by the untapped energy of the reading lights. There is no need for additional installations, which Lufthansa Technik contends makes it approximately 50% lighter than competing products.
The second solution can be attached to any kind of seat, without affecting the existing seat certification (ETSO/TSO). It is illuminated to enable the passenger to find the USB plug easily.
A third option adds the possibility for airlines to generate ancillary revenue by displaying advertisements or requiring passengers to pay for recharging.
