AviationGlass & Technology wins approval of lightweight glass for aircraft interiors

Voorthuizen, The Netherlands – AviationGlass & Technology, a Dutch company specializing in the research, development, and production of glass products for the aviation industry, has received the first-ever aviation authority approval on ultra-thin, lightweight glass mirrors and panels for aircraft cabin interiors. 

 

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the installation of its AeroGlass Lens to replace all protective inner window panes in the passenger cabin, as well as its AeroGlass Mirror for lavatory finishes in a Falcon 900 business jet. 

 

AviationGlass & Technology also received a Production Organization Approval (POA) Certificate from the EASA, certifying that its 43,055ft² (4,000 m²) production facility in Voorthuizen, The Netherlands, has the required quality system in place permitting it to supply products globally to the aviation industry (in compliance with EASA Part 21G).

 

To obtain the STC, the AeroGlass Mirror and AeroGlass Lens successfully passed all the rigorous safety tests required by the EASA, including the 21 joules ball impact test, abuse load tests for cabin interior products (designed to test passenger induced stress), and head impact tests to ensure that the glass can safely withstand forceful contact.

 

Lightweight and ultra-thin (up to 50% thinner and 25% lighter than traditional polycarbonate products) yet highly robust as well as scratch and UV-resistant, the patented AeroGlass creates provides superior optical quality via crystal-clear (99.9% transparent) panels and mirrors. Cost of ownership and maintenance can be reduced due to Aeroglass’ durability and resistance to scratching when cleaning and handling. AeroGlass is available as AeroGlass Mirror, for lavatory finishes and other mirror applications, AeroGlass Lens, a scratch-resistant inner window panel, and AeroGlass Interior, for interior doors, bulkheads, and kitchen appliances.

 

John Rietveldt, CEO, said, “These EASA certifications are significant for the industry as, since 2010, more stringent conditions apply to permit the use of glass inside aircraft cabins and this is the first time any aviation authority has approved the production and installation of such lightweight glass for the interior of an aircraft. For us it also represents a solid step forward in the realization of our vision to upgrade aircraft cabin interiors while guaranteeing safety, which remains of paramount importance. Our breakthrough AeroGlass products, available in virtually any size and shape, provide endless possibilities to create the ultimate on-board experience. Business jet owners and commercial line passengers travelling will soon begin to ‘see the difference’ compared to traditional, polycarbonate or acrylic plastic products through crystal clear reflections in AeroGlass Mirrors and scratch-free views via AeroGlass Lens for inner window panes.”