Exploring the Rise of LEDs: A Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly Solution for Aircraft Cabin Lighting

Highlights:

• Introduction
• Transition from incandescent to LED aircraft cabin lighting systems
• Strategic alliances and product launches in the sector

The aerospace sector faced huge losses during the pandemic period due to the lockdowns, social distancing norms, and travel restrictions put in place by governments across the globe to curb the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In the post-pandemic period, however, the resumption of air travel services and an exponential increase in the number of tourists have helped aircraft companies to revive their businesses. Along with this, aviation enterprises have invested hugely in new technologies to improve the quality of their aircraft and provide convenience and safety to their passengers. For instance, many leading companies in the landscape of aviation have focused on innovating the aircraft cabin lighting of their fleet to modernize their business operations.

Growing investments in LED technology impacting the industry positively

Aircraft cabin lights are necessary for passengers and cabin crew to move safely within the cabin and perform different activities such as reading, eating, watching movies, etc. Traditionally, these illumination systems relied on cold cathode or fluorescent technology to power sidewall & ceiling lights, emergency and regular signages, as well as spot and reading lighting solutions. However, over the years, the disadvantages associated with these systems have become apparent. For instance, cold cathode bulbs provide inconsistent lighting and become dim with their age, thus causing problems in cabin illumination. Moreover, fluorescent solutions dissipate huge amounts of heat which causes melting, disfiguring, burning, and discoloring of the aircraft interiors. Hence, airline companies and business jet operators are increasingly opting for LED lighting systems as an alternative to traditional solutions.

The most obvious reason behind the rising adoption of LEDs is their longevity, safety, and efficiency. Compared to incandescent bulbs which run for around 1,000 hours, light-emitting diodes have an operational capacity for around 5,000 hours, thus making them a much better lighting option. Furthermore, LEDs are 40% lighter than conventional lights which makes them an ideal solution for aircraft cabin lighting systems. Also, the amount of heat dissipation from these modern illumination devices is extremely low which helps maintain the safety of cabin wiring and fabrics.

Apart from this, LEDs are a much more cost-effective alternative to cold cathode bulbs. The longer lifespan of light-emitting diodes means that they need to be replaced less frequently as compared to other systems, thereby reducing the expenses for the aircraft company. Moreover, as per a study done by the US Department of Energy, LEDs consume 75% less energy than incandescent lights. Thus, the installation of LED illumination systems not only brings down the cost of operations but also aids aircraft companies in reducing their carbon footprint in the industry. In addition, advancements in LED technology have led to the advent of modern aircraft cabin lighting solutions that allow for customization and personalization through cabin management systems.

Multinational companies and conglomerates joining hands to improve their revenue share in the sector

The aircraft cabin lighting industry accounted for $1.8 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to gather a revenue of $3.5 billion by 2033, citing a CAGR of 7.3% during 2024-2033. The strategic alliances established by major businesses in the sector and the launch of innovative products by different companies are estimated to contribute to the expansion of the market in the coming period. In February 2024, for example, IFPL, a global leader in electronics manufacturing, announced that it has partnered with Wamos Air, a charter airline company. As part of this collaboration, IFPL has agreed to install its Cobalt Spectrum drop-in LEDs in Wamos Air’s fleet of Airbus A330-200 and A330-300. IFPL, in its press release, highlighted that the cabin refresh program initiated by Wamos Air is expected to help both companies broaden the scope of their operations in the coming period.

In May 2024, Aircraft Interiors Expo 2024, the largest marketplace for cabin interiors, announced that around 56 major enterprises in the industry will be showcasing their products. Accordingly, the event, which was held in Hamburg, Germany, witnessed the participation of some of the biggest players in the aircraft cabin lighting industry, including SELA, TT Electronics, Oxytronic, and PolyStone Creations, LLC. The presentations, seminars, and technical discussions that took place at the event are expected to aid these players in expanding their footprint worldwide in the near future.

In essence, the growth of the aircraft cabin lighting industry is attributed to the increasing adoption of light-emitting diode systems. The gradual transition away from incandescent and fluorescent bulbs is likely to create numerous profitable opportunities for the landscape in the coming period.

Contact our experts for valuable insights on the innovations and latest developments in the industry!

Related Post