While most cabin refurbishments focus on plush seats and mood lighting, one Florida company believes the next big upgrade lies in something passengers barely notice: the window shade.

The aerLuxe Window Shade

Aerospace Technologies Group (ATG) has seen success in the implementation of its aerBlade window shade system, which has already been introduced into service onboard certain business and commercial aircraft. The aerBlade is part of the larger aerLuxe window shade family, which was showcased at the 2025 NBAA-BACE event in Las Vegas.

The device uses an electronic motor mounted above the window that lifts the covering when triggered. This motor is designed to make minimal noise when run, and can be fitted with various types of window covers, ranging between plastic to fabric options.

The company's products can already be found on premium cabins of the Boeing 777-300ER, A380, and A350 aircraft, as well as throughout the Emirates A350 fleet, including in economy class.

Once installed, the shade connects directly to the aircraft's electrical system, allowing these shades to be remotely controlled. ATG also offers options for graphic and fabric variations of its product, providing an additional level of customizability to aircraft owners.

Easy Installation and Maintenance

AeroXplorer had the opportunity to speak with Tina Mulligan, Director of Customer Solutions, and Lucas Barros, Account Manager at ATG. They shared how the aerBlade's simplistic design promotes easy installation and replacement, regardless of aircraft type. Additionally, the product has been tested to withstand more than 250,000 cycles, translating to years of operation before the need of replacement.

When it is time for replacement, the aerBlade exhibits a modular design, able to be removed and replaced without the need for special tooling.

Mulligan also commented on the durability of the aerBlade's design. The device has undergone extensive certification testing, including fire-burn, electrical, and vibrational tests. Although the device will require individual certifications for each aircraft type it will be installed onto, this rigorous testing will ensure that the product is universally compliant, easing the process of achieving new certifications.

Although still a generally new product, Barros indicates that the aerBlade is nothing short of a win for the airline. Beyond passenger comfort, the introduction of the system offers an additional source of revenue for airlines. ATG provides the option for customers to customize its shades with printed designs, presenting airlines with additional advertising space to be sold off.

Installation Challenges on Business Jets

According to Barros, ATG does occasionally face challenges when installing its shades, specifically with business jets. He shared that whilst most commercial aircraft utilize an open panel where windows can be removed externally, certain business jets are fitted with windows that are bolted into the fuselage. Thus, removal of the manufacturer-provided window shades requires the removal of the aircraft's entire side panel. However, he also noted that ATG has already communicated this difficulty to aircraft manufacturers and hopes that they will take this into account when designing future aircraft models, barring FAA certification.

Nevertheless, ATG brings innovation to the business aviation landscape by addressing an underserved issue on a global scale. As aircraft interiors become more personalized, products like ATG's aerBlade prove how big of an impact seemingly small changes can have on the passenger experience.