Collins Aerospace has teamed up with Panasonic Avionics Corporation to unveil what they intend to be the future of airline AV. Called MAYA (Most Advanced Yet Achievable), this concept business class seat was recently showcased at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), where it reportedly received much attention.
The centerpiece of the ergonomic seat is a 45″ ultrawide Astrova Curve OLED display. Able to conveniently sync with passengers’ personal devices to play media, the huge display would represent the very first CinemaScope (21:9) format display to be used in commercial flight. Panasonic Avionics and Collins Aerospace say that with MAYA, immersion is key, which is why the display features personal headphone-less audio.
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While Panasonic Avionics calls MAYA’s display the “cinematic centerpiece” of the seat, the company stresses that it isn’t just for watching movies. Passengers would be able to use the seat’s ADAPT controller with the display to order meals and view maps, as well as other real-time data.
Regarding MAYA’s reception at AIX, Panasonic Avionics’ Vice President of Product Management and Strategy Andrew Masson told CNN Travel, “It was seen by many as [a] major step forward in premium travel, and aligned with their needs for innovating the passenger experience.”