Emirates airline is already piloting (pun intended) the virtual windows in the middle suites of the first-class cabin on its Boeing 777 aircraft. The windows display footage from cameras attached to the outside of the plane delivered through fiber-optic cables. According to Tim Clarke, Emirates president, the quality of the image “is better than with the natural eye.”
Supporters of the technology claim that it will make planes faster, lighter and more fuel efficient. Opponents, however, argue that it could impact safety in the event that crew members need to see outside of the aircraft. There is also concern that the windows might not look real enough, and about what the affects might be on long-distance flights.