PPG Aerospace Surveys Show Travelers Interested In Electronic Window System

Date: 19 May 2010

Air travelers on commercial and private-jet flights like the idea of electronic systems they control to lighten and darken passenger-cabin windows, preferring the light transition to occur at a moderate rather than rapid speed, according to surveys conducted for PPG Industries’ (NYSE:PPG) aerospace transparencies group. In a survey of private-jet fliers, 71 percent of respondents said a passenger-controlled window darkening system would improve their flying experience, with two-thirds of participants saying they would request such a system on their next aircraft.

In another survey of commercial fliers, about three-fourths of respondents said controlling a window’s external lighting is important for resting or relaxing, reading, watching a movie or working on a laptop computer.

The surveys were conducted for PPG by an independent research company to qualify fliers’ interest in electronic window-dimming systems, according to Ryan Aspy, PPG Aerospace market development manager. PPG Aerospace supplies aircraft manufacturers with Alteos(TM) Interactive Window Systems that enable passengers to control the amount of light coming through their cabin windows.

“Having hard data on fliers’ preferences enables us to work with our customers to fine-tune and customize the operation of Alteos window systems,” Aspy said. “For example, knowing fliers prefer light transmittance to change at a moderate speed, rather than abruptly, shows us we are on the right track.”

Sixty percent of respondents in the commercial-flier survey and 52 percent in the private-jet flier survey said they prefer the shading to change in about 30 seconds, like theater lights dimming before a performance or coming up after, Aspy said. Least popular was a rapidly changing system.

Participants in both surveys said they were most interested in a passenger-controlled system that shields heat and glare while enabling them to see outside clearly. Nearly 80 percent of commercial fliers and two-thirds of private-jet fliers who responded ranked such a system a 5, 6 or 7 on a scale from 1 being “not at all interested” to 7 being “extremely interested.”

A working demonstration of Alteos Interactive Window Systems at Aircraft Interiors Expo 2010 in Hamburg, Germany, enables visitors to experience the technology firsthand. The PPG Aerospace display with operating Alteos window systems is at Stand 5D47 during Aircraft Interiors Expo at the Hamburg Messe May 18-20.

PPG Aerospace is the aerospace products and services business of PPG Industries. PPG Aerospace – Transparencies is the world’s largest supplier of aircraft windshields, windows and canopies. PPG Aerospace – PRC-DeSoto is the leading global producer and distributor of aerospace coatings, sealants, and packaging and application systems.

About PPG
PPG Industries’ vision is to continue to be the world’s leading coatings and specialty products company. Founded in 1883, the company serves customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, PPG operates in more than 60 countries around the globe. Sales in 2009 were $12.2 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.