ZEISS takes flight: Global microoptics innovator to make aerospace industry debut at Passenger Experience Conference 2026

• ZEISS is sponsoring and attending Passenger Experience Conference (PEC) 2026 on 13th April at the Hamburg Messe
• The event marks the first time ZEISS introduces the concept of its optical systems to the wider aerospace industry
• ZEISS micro-optical systems embed information into transparent cockpit and cabin surfaces, combining high optical performance with lightweight, compact integration.

Jena, Germany | 31 March 2026 | ZEISS Microoptics

ZEISS, the leading technology company renowned for innovations in microoptics and holographic solutions, will mark its first major industry engagement in aerospace at this year’s Passenger Experience Conference (PEC) in Hamburg in April. This marks a defining milestone in the company’s expansion into aviation and passenger experience.

Building on the launch of its dedicated aerospace division, ZEISS will be both attending and sponsoring PEC, using the event as a platform to begin to introduce its micro-optical systems to the wider industry for the first time. The move signals a transition from strategic development to active industry integration, bringing more than 175 years of optical expertise into modern aircraft platforms.

ZEISS Microoptics develops micro-optical systems and system architectures for cockpit and cabin environments, designed to meet the increasing demands placed on aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. The systems deliver high optical performance while supporting compact architectures, controlled weight impact and seamless and efficient integration into aircraft designed for long operational lifecycles.

At the core of this approach is ZEISS’ proprietary technology platform, which allows the integration of information directly into transparent surfaces, transforming how data is presented and experienced by passengers and crew onboard.

In the cabin, this translates into a new generation of intelligent, transparent surfaces, where information, interaction and design are embedded directly into the aircraft interior. ZEISS’ Transparent Display systems integrate digital content into cabin divider and interior panels delivering real-time flight information, destination content and entertainment without adding mechanical complexity or compromising cabin design.

Further, ZEISS’ transparent cabin divider solutions enable adaptive zoning and privacy control, maintaining open, light-filled spaces while allowing information to be delivered precisely where and when it is needed.

Dennis Lehr, Head of ZEISS Microoptics said: "Entering the aerospace market marks a significant moment for ZEISS. As we advance initial cockpit applications toward market readiness, we are also opening new perspectives for micro-optical integration in the cabin environment.

"Increasingly, passengers expect seamless, personalised journeys and airlines are operating in an increasingly competitive landscape where experience is a key differentiator. Thus, enhancing this experience is not about adding more screens, but about integrating information naturally into the cabin.

"To us, the cabin is a dynamic interface between passengers, flight and information. ZEISS brings the full value chain to support this – from system architecture and prototyping to manufacturing and integration."

With over 40 years of experience in holography and a strong heritage in optical engineering, ZEISS develops integrated micro-optical systems and architectures designed for compact, lightweight cockpit and cabin integration.

Meet ZEISS representatives at Passenger Experience Conference (PEC) taking place before Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) at the Hamburg Messe on 13 April 2026. ZEISS Aerospace will also be attending Farnborough Airshow in July where it will further build on its industry presence with a significant footprint at the show.