Last week at Aircraft Interior Expo, Recaro Aircraft Seating, a global supplier of premium aircraft seats, and German start-up jetlite launched a new connected lighting concept called "moodlighting" that will be available for long haul's business class seats. Jetlite's Human Centric Lighting can support the inner clock of passengers and thus reduce jetlag's effects.
Until today, this solution was only available as cabin lighting solution. Recaro and jetlite are collaborating to make this concept available as a personally operable feature by integrating it into each business class seat and introducing individualized Human Centric Lighting.
In 2017 German start-up jetlite launched its solution to defeat jetlag. It is based on a scientific algorithm focused on optimizing aircraft cabin lighting with respect to flight route, direction, duration and overflown time zones on long-haul flights to suit human biorhythms.
“A couple of years ago we developed our scientifically proven jetlite algorithm to battle jetlag,” says Dr. Achim Leder, CEO of jetlite. “Lufthansa’s implementation of the technology as a cabin lighting solution in its A350-fleet was a big step forward for the company. Our system, however, truly comes into its own when it is integrated into each individual seat. That is exactly what the collaboration with Recaro is about: to develop a truly bespoke lighting experience tailored to each passenger.”
To make it work, passengers must first complete a short questionnaire before boarding to determine their "chronotype", a categorization of their body clock based on their sleep type, and how long they would like to sleep during the flight. These data are added to variables such as: travelled road, direction, time zones crossed in order to establish an individualized lighting plan for each passenger. For example, a warm light with redder components will be deployed for periods when passengers are resting. A cooler light with a deep blue can provide stimulation during the phases of the trip when they want to be more active.
Companies can choose to integrate jetlite software into their mobile applications so that passengers can complete their questionnaires before they even arrive at the airport. The data can then be stored to prevent frequent passengers from having to provide them again each time they fly. Recaro will be launching after the passenger research fair. If necessary, the jetlite solution could be integrated into its new connected business class seat, the CL6710 NG.
Surfeo: www.surfeo.eu