On May 28, 2024, at the 2024 Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Panasonic Avionics and Collins Aerospace presented their next-generation business class suite concept, MAYA. The concept’s centerpiece is a large, curved display.
According to Panasonic Avionics Corporation’s CEO Ken Sain, the seat’s 45-inch OLED display will be “the first Ultra-Widescreen CinemaScope (21:9) display in the sky – the same screen format in cinemas.” He promises ” Based on seat geometry and viewing angles, “MAYA delivers a 50% more immersive viewing experience than sitting in a theater.”
The seat will also offer a headphoneless audio system, a concept that has been put into practice recently on JAL’s new flagship A350-1000s. Additionally, the seat will offer all the technologies expected from new seats such as USB-C and wireless charging. MAYA promises the features with “no need for extra floor space,” with the companies saying it “follows our modular, upgradable philosophy, ensuring access to the latest advancements.”
With the seat being at a concept stage, it is unclear when it will enter into production or which airline will be the first one to use it.
