Airbus has selected PPG enhanced-design sliding cockpit windows for installation in an A320neo airplane. After the aircraft is delivered, PPG will work with Airbus and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to gain Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) to sell windows directly to airlines as replacements in the aftermarket in place of the current design.
Operators can request PPG’s new-design sliding cockpit windows, as well as its latest-design windshields and aft fixed cockpit windows, for installation in new aircraft of the Airbus A320 Family (including the A319, A320 and A321) and the recently launched NEO (new engine option) Family with the A319neo, A320neo and A321neo airplanes.
PPG already sells enhanced windshields and aft fixed cockpit windows for the A320 Family directly to airlines for replacements.
According to Art Scott, PPG global market director for commercial aircraft transparencies, PPG will be able to offer airlines the full complement of its enhanced flight-deck windows for the A320 Family.
"PPG worked closely with Airbus to enhance the design and performance of the flight-deck windows for the A320 fleet with advanced technologies to provide greater service life to our customers." Scott said.
PPG manufactures the Airbus flight-deck windows at its Huntsville, Alabama, facility. Since 1990, PPG has manufactured and delivered more than 30,000 flight-deck windows for production and aftermarket for A320 Family aircraft.