PPG Aerospace Shows Electrochromic Aircraft Window Shades At NBAA Show

A working mockup of the cabin window shade is on display in the PPG Aerospace booth 4251. The aviation trade show is being held at the Georgia World Congress Center here through Sept. 27.



According to Mark Cancilla, PPG global manager for commercial transparencies, the window shades enhance passenger comfort in the cabin and afford operating efficiencies to airlines.



“The electrochromic window shades replace the traditional pull-down plastic opaque shades in passenger cabin windows,” Cancilla said. “The PPG-Gentex system allows passengers to control the amount of light transmitted through the window. They can block out almost all of the light, let in abundant light with the shade in a bright, clear state, or ‘tune’ the amount of light or shade they want.”



For airlines, electrochromic window shades afford operating efficiencies, reduced maintenance and an attractive cabin, Cancilla said.



The electrochromic system defaults to a clear state on power loss and has a fast darkening speed, he added.



PPG and Gentex formed a relationship specifically to commercialize the window shade systems. PPG is overseeing testing and qualification, performing final assembly and marketing the systems, and will manage aftermarket support for its customers. Gentex is providing its patented dye-based electrochromic technology and manufacturing the electrochromic panels.



PPG has a contract to supply the electronically dimmable window systems for the Boeing 787, which will be their first commercial application.



Electrochromic technology uses electricity to darken or change the color of an electrically conductive medium between two thin glass plies. Turning off the electricity lightens or bleaches the medium.



PPG Aerospace is the aerospace products and services business of PPG Industries. PPG Aerospace – Transparencies is the world’s largest supplier of aircraft windshields, windows and canopies. PPG Aerospace – PRC-DeSoto is the leading global producer of aerospace sealants, coatings, and packaging and application systems.



About PPG

Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings, chemicals, optical products, specialty materials, glass and fiber glass. The company employs more than 34,000 people and has 125 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates in more than 25 countries. Sales in 2006 were US$11 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York and Philadelphia stock exchanges (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.



Contact:

Audrey Fujimoto

PPG Aerospace

818-549-7597

audrey.fujimoto@ppg.com



Jean Verlich

JV Communications

505-762-2017

jverlich@jvcommunications.com