Lufthansa Technik has developed the Nice Intellitable, a prototype folding tray table which combines a haptic surface with high-definition touchscreen functionality. The smart and intuitive functions of the touchscreen display only appear on the tray table at the passenger’s request, and vanish into the table’s thin foldable surface when not needed.
The Nice Intellitable is a development of Lufthansa Technik’s Hidden Touch Display, which blends aircraft cabin surfaces with a high-quality look and feel, with interactive functionality. The display can work with surfaces including wood, carbon fibre and metal, with the control
interface blending seamlessly into the interior design when not in use. The technology won a 2025 Red Dot Design Award.
Lufthansa Technik has now miniaturised the technology behind its Hidden Touch Display in order to integrate new forms of user interface (UI) in aircraft cabins, such as the Nice Intellitable.
The technology demonstrator of the Nice Intellitable integrates content such as flight information, a moving map, seat adjustment options, a food and beverage ordering system, music and video content players, and a flip book for digital magazines. These options appear on the tray table surface when the passenger activates the display.
When the tray table is needed as a surface for dining or working, the hidden touch functions can be minimised to the edge of the display, or simply switched off. The smart surface is completely resistant to spilled fluids and mechanical forces from serviceware or other hard 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. To get rid of traditional control interfaces, which sometimes can feel bulky and outdated, we are rethinking how technology integrates with interior design, creating more cohesive and natural interactions,” said Andrew Muirhead, Lufthansa Technik’s VP of original equipment and special aircraft services.
“The Nice Intellitable exemplifies this approach, redefining VIP, but also commercial business or first class cabins, through more intuitive and seamless technology that puts both passenger experience and airline needs at the centre,” he added.
A demonstrator of the Nice Intellitable will be shown at Lufthansa Technik’s booth (#1120) at the Dubai Airshow from 17 to 21 November.
