Turning the tables of UI integration: Lufthansa Technik shows interactive fold-up tray
- The technology behind the award-winning Hidden Touch Display has been miniaturised.
- Smart touchscreen functionality is now blending into foldable cabin equipment
- It has potential applications for both VIP and commercial aircraft cabins
Photo: Lufthansa Technik
Lufthansa Technik has miniaturised the technology behind its award-winning Hidden Touch Display to introduce a new form of user-interface integration in aircraft cabins: the “nice intellitable”. Debuting at the Dubai Airshow, it integrates high-definition touchscreen controls directly into the haptic surface of a foldable tray table.
The display appears only on the passenger’s request — and disappears seamlessly when not in use —preserving the premium look and feel of the tray table.
Photo: Lufthansa Technik
This innovation is a strategic evolution of Lufthansa Technik’s Hidden Touch Display, which earlier this year earned a Red Dot Design Award. The system merges high-quality materials (wood, carbon fibre, metal, etc.) with interactive controls, allowing airlines and VIP operators to integrate interfaces invisibly into cabin surfaces while ensuring a sophisticated tactile experience.
Compared to the wall-mounted version, the fully customizable nice intellitable significantly expands possible functionalities. The demonstrator includes:
- Flight information
- Moving map
- Seat adjustment
- Food & beverage ordering
- Media players for music and video
- Digital magazine flip-book
When passengers use the tray for dining, all touch functions can shrink to the edge of the table or be switched off completely.
The surface is also resistant to spills and mechanical impact from cutlery or other items.
“Sometimes, there seems to be a disconnect between how airlines and VIP operators design their control solutions, and how their passengers actually interact with the cabin environment,” said Andrew Muirhead, Vice President Original Equipment & Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik. “The ‘nice intellitable’ redefines VIP, business, and first-class cabins through more intuitive and seamless interaction, putting both passenger experience and airline needs at the centre.”
A full demonstrator of the nice intellitable will be showcased at Lufthansa Technik’s booth (#1120) at the Dubai Airshow from 17–21 November 2025.
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