Aircraft cabin lighting provides a core function – illuminating the cabin for safety, comfort and visibility. Not to mention its impact on the passenger experience thanks to innovative technological solutions. Elena Lodge takes a look at some of the lighting products available right now and the operators flying with them.
In its most simple form, the cabin lighting in an aircraft does exactly what it says on the tin.
But in line with the current focus on the passenger experience, airlines are increasingly sourcing cabin lighting that does more – with an era of prioritising health- conscious, aesthetic interior lighting moving swiftly in.
Cabin lighting can provide a heightened passenger experience with the potential for customisation based on flight times, routes, brands and any other requirements by an operator.
By introducing specific lighting scenarios,passengers can experience simulated sunrises and sunsets, or one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Aurora Borealis.
For instance, Icelandair uses its LED mood lighting fixtures to mimic the Northern Lights and ice caves, representing Iceland’s beautiful landscape and creating a memorable journey for its passengers.
The enhancements to the passenger experience that lighting can offer are certainly abundant. In this feature, we explore which companies are tapping this potential and what products are on offer.
SETTING THE MOOD
Cobalt Aerospace’s drop-in mood lighting system, Cobalt Spectrum, is one product that aims to enhance the value of mood lighting in improving the passenger experience.
“Flying is often a disruption to a passenger’s normal routine, and with disruption can come discomfort,” says Dan Rust, Director, Cobalt Aerospace. “Lighting is one of the simplest and most effective ways for airlines to create an environment where a passenger can relax and feel comfortable.” Rust lists the benefits of mood lighting for air travel, which include the reintroduction of routine to passengers on flights via subtle brain prompts and subsequently decreasing the effects of jet lag.
This effect is achieved by implementing specific colours at certain times, for instance to mimic the natural sunrises and sunsets with the use of soft orange hues in the morning and soothing lavender light for sleep.
Additional features of Cobalt Spectrum include fuel and power consumption savings, weight savings, reduced costs and boosted revenue as a result of higher customer satisfaction and stronger branding opportunities.
For example, mood lighting offers airlines the potential to enhance in-flight events such as dining. The use of warm white light can be used to stimulate appetite and make food appear more appetising. “Metabolism is proven to be a significantfactor when it comes to jet lag, and lighting can encourage the brain to recognise this
integral part of an evening routine, leading to a restful sleep,” says Rust.
PERSONAL TOUCH
Beyond in-flight dining, Cobalt Spectrum’s patent-pending Virtual Light Mode also offers a range of options according to particular designs, such as lighting scenes specially designed for key flight phases, promotional journeys or specific one-off events, such as the Northern Lights.
“Aesthetics can play a key role for private aircraft operators who tend to offer a more personalised experience for their passengers,” says Rust.
“These operators often invest in customisable lighting systems that allow for different colour combinations and intensities based on individual preferences, or specific moods during flights. “Additionally, private aircraft may incorporate ambient lighting elements such as starry skies or soft glows, which further
contribute to an elevated onboard atmosphere.”
Creating a customised lighting feature for private aircraft also crafts the sense of luxury, which for a private or business aircraft is a valuable tool to maintaining an excellent passenger experience. Cobalt Spectrum can be used on both commercial and VIP aircraft and can be retrofitted in a single shift, requiring only a direct swap replacement for existing fluorescent tubes.
The mood lighting system is currently flying with many of the world’s flag carriers, specialty carriers and sports teams, with certifications for fleets including Airbus,
Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer aircraft.
You can read the full article here: https://www.inflight-online.com/mags/SmFuL0ZlYjIwMjQ_Jan_Feb_2024/index.html
