Technology & Innovation
Boeing and Tongji Launch Ultra-Lightweight Projection IFE System
Boeing and Tongji University develop a projection-based in-flight entertainment system reducing weight by 94% and enhancing passenger interaction.
Boeing and Shanghai-based Tongji University have collaborated to develop a groundbreaking in-flight entertainment system that shifts the paradigm from traditional seatback screens to projection-based displays. This innovation, recognized with the prestigious 2025 Crystal Cabin Award, utilizes compact projectors integrated into aircraft passenger service units to transform various cabin surfaces into interactive displays. The system promises significant operational benefits, including a potential reduction in system weight by up to 94% and power consumption by 50% compared to conventional seatback entertainment systems. This development comes at a pivotal time for the aviation industry, where airlines are under increasing pressure to reduce fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and environmental impact, while still delivering a competitive passenger experience.
The Ultra-Lightweight Display System, as it is called, represents not only a technological leap but also a strategic response to evolving passenger expectations and industry sustainability goals. By moving away from heavy, maintenance-intensive seatback screens, airlines can optimize cabin weight, reduce fuel costs, and improve operational efficiency, all while offering passengers a more flexible and interactive entertainment experience. The collaboration between Boeing and Tongji University underscores the growing importance of global research partnerships in driving aviation innovation.
The history of in-flight entertainment (IFE) is a story of continuous evolution, reflecting both advances in technology and changes in passenger expectations. The first recorded in-flight movie was screened in 1921 aboard an Aeromarine Airways Curtis F5L, where passengers watched a silent film projected overhead. This early use of projection technology foreshadowed the cyclical nature of innovation in aviation, as the industry now revisits and refines projection for modern applications.
By the 1960s, regular in-flight entertainment became a reality with the introduction of 16mm film projectors on commercial jets. American Airlines’ Astro-Color system, for example, involved complex film reels and projection units spread throughout the cabin, leading to operational challenges such as film breaks and time-lagged content between cabin sections. These issues, coupled with the rise of more reliable video display technology, led to the decline of projection systems in favor of seatback monitors by the 1970s and 1980s.
Today, the aviation industry is witnessing a renewed interest in projection technology, driven by advancements in digital projection, miniaturization, and user interface design. The Boeing-Tongji University system is a testament to how far the technology has come, addressing the limitations of past systems while capitalizing on new capabilities to enhance the passenger experience and airline efficiency.
Boeing’s exploration of projection technology for aircraft cabins began as early as 2015, motivated by the dual goals of enhancing passenger experience and reducing operational costs. The company’s early concepts envisioned the use of advanced lighting and projection to create dynamic cabin environments, such as projecting starry skies or destination-themed visuals on ceilings and walls. These concepts were not only about aesthetics but also about addressing passenger psychology, making cabins feel more spacious and less confining.
Technical feasibility studies focused on minimizing interference from passengers and crew, optimizing projector placement, and ensuring visual clarity under varying lighting conditions. These studies highlighted the potential for projection systems to serve multiple functions, including passenger information display, dynamic wayfinding, and even advertising, all while reducing the overall weight of cabin systems.
The renewed focus on projection technology aligns with broader industry trends, as airlines seek to differentiate their services and respond to passenger demand for more personalized, interactive experiences. The Boeing-Tongji University collaboration builds on this foundation, bringing together academic research and industrial expertise to create a system tailored to the unique requirements of commercial-aircraft aviation. “This promising exploration of bringing projection technology to a cabin environment would fulfill a common request from our airline customers, offer premium digital experiences while saving fuel, space and maintenance costs, which also fits into our vision to create a transformative experience within the cabin.” , Joe Keegan, Boeing director of Product Development
The partnership between Boeing and Tongji University began three years ago, reflecting Boeing’s strategy to leverage global research networks and cultivate talent in key markets. This initiative is part of a broader pattern of collaboration with leading universities worldwide, aimed at fostering innovation and addressing industry challenges through shared expertise.
The development process for the Ultra-Lightweight Display System involved close cooperation between Boeing’s Technology Innovation team, Commercial-Aircraft Airplanes Product Development, and students and faculty from Tongji University. The project was led by Zhongzhe Dong of Boeing Technology Innovation-China, with Tongji students Huiyi Huang and Xialu Chen playing key roles in system design and prototyping, guided by associate professor Jiao Mo.
The team’s approach centered on modularity, integration, and user-centric design. Their goal was to create a system that could be easily retrofitted into existing aircraft, minimize interference with critical safety components, and deliver significant weight and power savings. The result is a compact, dual-optic projector module that can serve three to four seats and be installed within the existing passenger service unit (PSU) infrastructure.
The Ultra-Lightweight Display System is built around a 154×154×85mm projector module weighing approximately 0.5 kg. Each projector is designed to serve up to four seats, projecting content onto a variety of cabin surfaces such as tray tables, seatbacks, partitions, windows, and overhead bins. The system integrates infrared sensors that enable gesture-based control, allowing passengers to interact with content without the need for physical remotes or touchscreens.
Visibility and clarity were key design considerations. The system has been tested across a range of ambient lighting conditions typical of commercial-aircraft aircraft cabins (50 to 300 Lux), ensuring that projected content remains legible and engaging regardless of time of day or lighting environment. The modular design also allows for easy maintenance and scalability across different aircraft types.
To enhance connectivity, passengers can scan QR codes to link their personal devices with the projection system, enabling content selection and control via smartphones or tablets. The system also addresses aviation-specific challenges such as image jitter caused by turbulence, with planned features to stabilize projections and maintain a consistent viewing experience.
“Boeing’s industrial expertise helped us overcome design challenges and refine the concept.” , Jiao Mo, Tongji University
One of the most significant advantages of the projection-based system is its impact on aircraft weight and, by extension, fuel efficiency and emissions. Traditional seatback IFE systems typically add 1-3 kg per seat, leading to total weights of up to 567 kg for a single-aisle aircraft like the Boeing 737-800. By contrast, the projection system’s distributed approach reduces total system weight to just over 30 kg for the same aircraft, representing an 83-94% reduction.
These weight savings have substantial operational implications. Industry studies show that every kilogram removed from an aircraft translates to approximately 100 kg of annual kerosene savings and a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions. For airlines operating large fleets, these savings can amount to millions of dollars per year, as well as meaningful progress toward sustainability targets. Beyond fuel and emissions, the system reduces installation and maintenance costs by eliminating extensive cabling and individual screens. Airlines can also benefit from simplified certification processes, as the modular projectors can be integrated without major structural modifications to the cabin.
The move toward projection-based IFE systems is part of a broader shift in the aviation industry, with many airlines re-evaluating the cost-benefit equation of traditional seatback screens. The high installation and maintenance costs, combined with the prevalence of personal electronic devices among passengers, have led some carriers to remove seatback screens altogether in favor of Wi-Fi and streaming solutions.
The Ultra-Lightweight Display System offers a middle ground, providing an enhanced shared visual experience without the weight and complexity of individual screens. This approach aligns with current market trends, where airlines seek to differentiate their cabins and improve passenger satisfaction while managing operational costs.
Industry experts have praised the innovation for its potential to transform both the passenger experience and airline economics. The Crystal Cabin Award jury highlighted the system’s weight savings and technical solutions for projection stability, while Boeing leadership emphasized its alignment with customer demands for premium digital experiences and operational efficiency.
“The enormous potential weight savings when replacing seatback IFEC systems and the developers’ technical solutions for avoiding projection jitter induced by turbulence were key factors in the award selection.” , Crystal Cabin Award Jury
Boeing and Tongji University plan to continue developing and testing the projection system to enhance its technical readiness and commercial feasibility. The modular design allows for gradual adoption, enabling airlines to retrofit existing fleets or implement the system in new deliveries as part of broader cabin upgrades.
The technology’s versatility opens the door to a range of applications beyond entertainment, including dynamic advertising, safety briefings, and real-time passenger information. As airlines increasingly prioritize sustainability and digital transformation, projection-based systems could become a standard feature in next-generation cabins.
However, successful commercialization will depend on factors such as regulatory approval, airline investment priorities, and passenger acceptance. The collaborative model between Boeing and Tongji University demonstrates the value of international research partnerships in advancing aviation technology and developing the talent needed to sustain future innovation.
The Ultra-Lightweight Display System developed by Boeing and Tongji University marks a significant milestone in the evolution of in-flight entertainment. By leveraging advanced projection technology, the system achieves dramatic weight and power savings, directly addressing airlines’ operational challenges while enhancing the passenger experience. Its recognition with the Crystal Cabin Award underscores its potential impact on the industry and sets a new benchmark for cabin innovation. Looking ahead, projection-based systems could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aircraft interiors, supporting both sustainability goals and the demand for more engaging, flexible passenger experiences. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, innovations like this will be essential in balancing efficiency, customer satisfaction, and environmental responsibility.
What is the main advantage of the Ultra-Lightweight Display System compared to traditional seatback screens? How do passengers interact with the projection-based entertainment system? Is the projection system currently available on commercial-aircraft flights? What recognition has the system received? Can the projection system be retrofitted into existing aircraft? Sources:
Revolutionary Projection Technology Transforms Aircraft Cabin Entertainment: Boeing and Tongji University’s Award-Winning Innovation
Historical Context and Evolution of In-Flight Entertainment Systems
The Emergence of Modern Projection Technology in Aviation
The Boeing-Tongji University Collaboration and Innovation Process
Technical Specifications and System Features
Weight Reduction and Sustainability Benefits
Market Context, Industry Trends, and Reception
Future Implications and Commercialization Prospects
Conclusion
FAQ
The main advantage is a significant reduction in system weight, up to 94% less, resulting in lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and decreased maintenance costs for airlines.
Passengers can control the system using gesture recognition technology or by connecting their personal devices via QR codes, enabling intuitive and flexible content interaction.
No, the system is still under development and not yet commercially available. Boeing and Tongji University are continuing to test and refine the technology for future deployment.
The Ultra-Lightweight Display System won the 2025 Crystal Cabin Award, a leading industry accolade for aircraft interior innovation.
Yes, the modular design allows for integration into existing passenger service units, making it suitable for both retrofits and new aircraft installations.
Boeing News Network,
Photo Credit: Boeing
Technology & Innovation
Joby Aviation and Metropolis Develop 25 US Vertiports for eVTOL Launch
Joby Aviation partners with Metropolis Technologies to retrofit parking garages into 25 vertiports across US cities, supporting a 2026 eVTOL commercial launch.
This article is based on an official press release from Joby Aviation.
Joby Aviation has announced a significant infrastructure partnership with Metropolis Technologies to develop a network of 25 vertiports across the United States. The collaboration aims to repurpose existing parking infrastructure into “mobility hubs” to support the commercial launch of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
According to the company’s announcement, the partnership will leverage Metropolis’s extensive portfolio of parking facilities to create takeoff and landing sites in key metropolitan areas. By retrofitting existing structures rather than building new terminals from the ground up, Joby intends to accelerate the deployment of its air taxi service, which is currently targeting a commercial launch in 2026.
The initiative addresses one of the most critical challenges in the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) sector: the “last mile” connection. The integration of ground and air travel is designed to offer passengers a seamless transition from their vehicles to Joby’s aircraft, utilizing advanced artificial intelligence to streamline the process.
The core strategy of this partnership involves identifying and upgrading sites within Metropolis’s network, which expanded significantly following its recent acquisition of SP+. With access to over 4,200 parking facilities, the companies plan to select prime locations in high-density urban centers such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City.
Joby Aviation stated that this retrofit approach offers a distinct advantage over constructing standalone vertiports. By utilizing the top decks of existing parking garages, the partners can reduce upfront construction costs and navigate zoning requirements more efficiently. These sites will be designed to meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Engineering Brief 105A, which outlines the specific design standards for vertiport geometry, marking, and load-bearing capacity.
“For air taxis to deliver on their promise of seamless urban travel, they must connect directly with the existing ground transportation ecosystem. By leveraging existing parking infrastructure… we can maximize the value of those sites without needing to build infrastructure from scratch.”
, JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation
Beyond physical infrastructure, the partnership emphasizes the integration of Metropolis’s proprietary technology. The company utilizes AI-powered computer vision to manage facility access and payments. In the context of air travel, this technology aims to facilitate a “drive-in, fly-out” experience. According to the release, cameras will recognize a passenger’s vehicle upon entry, automatically processing parking fees and initiating the check-in process for their flight. This system is intended to eliminate the need for physical tickets, gates, or kiosks, aligning with the industry’s push for a frictionless passenger experience.
“The real world is the next frontier for AI… We are taking the data and recognition capabilities we’ve built in our network and extending it to air travel, creating the seamless, personalized, and magical experience that is the foundation of the Recognition Economy.”
, Alex Israel, CEO of Metropolis Technologies
While the construction of full vertiports is a longer-term project targeting 2026, the partnership includes immediate operational steps. Metropolis subsidiary Bags Inc. will begin providing VIP baggage handling services for Blade Urban Air Mobility, a partner of Joby Aviation, in New York City. This service will support flights between Manhattan and major airports such as JFK and Newark.
Los Angeles has been identified as a primary market for the initial vertiport rollout. The companies are currently evaluating downtown parking structures that can be adapted to support high-frequency air taxi operations. This focus on Los Angeles aligns with Joby’s broader strategy to establish a foothold in regions with high traffic congestion, where the time-saving value of eVTOL aircraft is most apparent.
We observe that this partnership represents a divergent strategy in the race for UAM infrastructure. While competitors like Archer Aviation have partnered with Atlantic Aviation to electrify existing private aviation terminals (FBOs), Joby is betting on bringing aircraft closer to the consumer’s daily commute via parking garages.
The “retrofit” model proposed by Joby and Metropolis may offer scalability advantages. Parking garages are ubiquitous in city centers, whereas private air terminals are typically located on the periphery at airports. If successful, this approach could allow Joby to penetrate dense urban cores more deeply than competitors relying solely on airport-based infrastructure.
However, we note that retrofitting parking decks presents its own engineering challenges, particularly regarding the structural reinforcement required to handle the weight and dynamic loads of landing aircraft, as well as the installation of high-voltage charging infrastructure in older buildings.
Transforming Parking Garages into Mobility Hubs
Integration of AI Technology
Immediate Rollout and Strategic Markets
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation
Technology & Innovation
Vertical Aerospace Targets Full VX4 Transition Flight in Early 2026
Vertical Aerospace advances VX4 flight tests with 10 piloted flights completed; full transition now targeted for early 2026 amid regulatory updates.
This article is based on an official press release from Vertical Aerospace and includes analysis based on publicly available financial filings.
On December 19, 2025, Vertical Aerospace released a significant operational update regarding the flight testing of its full-scale VX4 prototype. According to the company, the engineering team has successfully completed 10 piloted test flights since receiving a “Permit to Fly” from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in November. While the company reports expanding the majority of the flight envelope, the critical milestone of full piloted transition, switching completely from vertical hover to wing-borne cruise, has not yet been achieved.
The Bristol-based eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) manufacturer stated that weather constraints and limited testing windows have pushed the target for full transition into early 2026. This update comes shortly after the company unveiled “Valo,” its production-intent aircraft, earlier this month.
Since resuming flight activities on November 13, 2025, Vertical Aerospace reports that the VX4 prototype has undergone rigorous testing to validate its handling and safety systems. The press release highlights that the aircraft has successfully performed acceleration and deceleration maneuvers and tested various tilt positions for its rotors.
According to Vertical Aerospace, the Test-Flights campaign has achieved several specific technical milestones:
The testing program has successfully validated the in-flight deployment and stowing of rear propellers, propeller spin-up during wing-borne flight, and “prop-hold” functionality.
The company notes that the “majority of the transition envelope” has now been expanded, leaving only the final 10% of the tilt transition untested. The completion of this final phase is required to demonstrate the aircraft’s ability to fly purely on wing lift, a defining characteristic of viable eVTOL technology.
Alongside the flight test updates, Vertical Aerospace announced a regulatory achievement involving the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The Regulations has granted the company new privileges allowing it to approve its own “Flight Conditions” and issue Permits to Fly for specific scenarios.
In the press release, the company framed this development as a signal of regulatory confidence in their design and engineering processes. This authorization is expected to streamline future testing phases by reducing the administrative lead time required for certain flight approvals. It is important for industry observers to distinguish between the aircraft currently undergoing testing and the product Vertical Aerospace intends to bring to market. The operational update refers specifically to the VX4 prototype, which serves as a testbed for data gathering. However, the commercial future of the company rests on “Valo,” the production model unveiled around December 10, 2025.
While the VX4 validates the core physics and control laws, Valo features a redesigned airframe, updated wing architecture, and an under-floor battery system. The delay in the VX4’s full transition means that critical aerodynamic data needed to finalize Valo’s Certification profile, targeted for 2028, will not be fully available until the prototype completes its envelope expansion in 2026.
The delay of the full transition flight places Vertical Aerospace behind its primary United States competitors in terms of technical milestones. Competitors such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation successfully completed full piloted transition flights earlier in 2025. Furthermore, the European market saw a significant contraction earlier this year with the reported insolvency of Lilium in February 2025, highlighting the capital-intensive nature of the sector.
Financial-Results sustainability remains a key focus for Vertical Aerospace. According to the company’s Q3 2025 Business & Strategy Update, Vertical reported a cash position of approximately $117 million. Based on current burn rates, the company projects this capital will fund operations until mid-2026.
With certification slated for 2028, this creates a “funding gap” that the company will need to address. The shift of the transition milestone to 2026 may influence investor sentiment, as the market often looks to technical achievements as validation for further capital injection.
What is the difference between the VX4 and Valo? When will Vertical Aerospace achieve full transition? What is the company’s current financial runway?
Vertical Aerospace Updates VX4 Flight Test Progress; Full Transition Targeted for Early 2026
VX4 Flight Testing Achievements
Regulatory Developments
Strategic Context and Market Position
AirPro News Analysis: The VX4 vs. Valo Distinction
AirPro News Analysis: Financial and Competitive Landscape
Frequently Asked Questions
The VX4 is the current full-scale prototype used for flight testing and validation. Valo is the recently unveiled production-intent aircraft that Vertical Aerospace plans to manufacture commercially, featuring design improvements based on VX4 data.
The company has rescheduled the full piloted transition flight, where the aircraft switches from vertical lift to wing-borne flight, for early 2026, citing weather and scheduling constraints.
As of the Q3 2025 update, Vertical Aerospace holds approximately $117 million in cash, which is projected to sustain operations until mid-2026.
Sources
Photo Credit: Vertical Aerospace
Technology & Innovation
Eve Air Mobility Completes First Flight of Full-Scale eVTOL Prototype
Eve Air Mobility conducted a successful first flight of its full-scale eVTOL prototype in Brazil, validating key systems ahead of 2027 certification.
This article is based on an official press release from Eve Air Mobility.
On December 19, 2025, Eve Air Mobility achieved a critical milestone in the development of its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company, a subsidiary of Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer, successfully conducted the first flight of its full-scale prototype at the Embraer test facility in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, Brazil.
This uncrewed hover flight validates the fundamental architecture of the aircraft, which utilizes a “Lift + Cruise” configuration distinct from the tilt-rotor designs favored by some competitors. According to the company’s official statement, the test confirmed the functionality of the electric propulsion system and the 5th-generation fly-by-wire controls, performing exactly as computer models had predicted.
While Eve Air Mobility is entering the flight-test phase later than some of its primary rivals, the successful deployment of a full-scale prototype signals the company’s transition from design to execution. With a target Entry into Service (EIS) set for 2027, Eve is leveraging Embraer’s industrial backing to accelerate its Certification program.
The test conducted in Gavião Peixoto was a dedicated hover flight. This specific profile is designed to test the vertical lift capabilities of the aircraft before attempting forward wing-borne flight. The prototype utilized eight dedicated vertical lift rotors to maintain a stable hover, allowing engineers to assess aerodynamic performance and control laws in real-world conditions.
Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility, emphasized the significance of the event in a statement released by the company:
“Today, Eve flew… This flight validates our plan, which has been executed with precision to deliver the best solution for the market.”
Following this successful hover test, the company plans to expand the flight envelope throughout 2026. This will involve transitioning from vertical lift to forward flight, powered by the rear pusher propeller, and testing the aircraft’s fixed wing for cruise efficiency.
The prototype flown represents the configuration intended for commercial certification. Unlike “tilt-rotor” designs that rotate propellers to switch between lift and cruise modes, Eve has opted for a separated “Lift + Cruise” architecture. This design choice prioritizes mechanical simplicity and potentially lower maintenance costs. According to technical specifications released by Eve Air Mobility, the aircraft features:
At AirPro News, we observe that Eve’s successful first flight places it in a unique position within the “race to market.” While competitors like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation have already logged significant flight hours with full-scale prototypes, including transition flights, Eve’s strategy appears to be one of deliberate, industrial-scale preparation over speed.
The “Lift + Cruise” design philosophy suggests a focus on reliability and operating economics. By avoiding the complex tilting mechanisms found in competitor aircraft, Eve may offer operators a vehicle with fewer moving parts and lower direct maintenance costs. Furthermore, Eve’s relationship with Embraer provides immediate access to a global service and support network, a logistical hurdle that independent Startups must build from scratch.
Despite being arguably the “tortoise” in terms of flight testing timelines, Eve holds the industry’s largest backlog of Letters of Intent (LoI), totaling nearly 3,000 aircraft. This massive order book indicates strong market confidence in Embraer’s ability to deliver a certifiable product.
Looking ahead, Eve Air Mobility has outlined a rigorous schedule for the next two years. The company intends to build five additional conforming prototypes in 2026 to accelerate data collection. These aircraft will be used to accumulate the hundreds of flight hours required for certification authorities.
Luiz Valentini, CTO of Eve, noted the disciplined approach to the upcoming testing phase:
“The prototype behaved as predicted by our models… We will expand the envelope and progress toward transition to wingborne flight in a disciplined manner.”
The company is targeting Type Certification from Brazil’s ANAC in 2027, with concurrent validation sought from the FAA (USA) and EASA (Europe). Commercial deliveries are scheduled to begin immediately following certification.
Eve Air Mobility Successfully Completes First Flight of Full-Scale eVTOL Prototype
Flight Details and Technical Validation
Aircraft Specifications: The “Eve-100”
AirPro News Analysis: The Strategic Landscape
Future Roadmap: Certification and Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Embraer
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