An MRO and modifications company, an interiors provider and an OEM have joined forces in unveiling the 'nice' (networked integrated cabin equipment) intelligent cabin divider, the first business jet cabin divider to make use of Lufthansa Technik’s award-winning Hidden Touch technology. By blending comprehensive touch control and content functionality into a signature design piece from F/List’s interiors portfolio, the divider explores a potential future line-fit and retrofit solution for Pilatus Aircraft’s lineup. A collaboration agreement on the joint advancement of the technology towards series maturity was signed by the three partners during an unveiling ceremony at NBAA-BACE.

The demonstrator integrates the full functionality of a 14.5-inch high-resolution OLED touchscreen directly into the high-quality haptic material of the cabin divider. At just the touch of a fingertip, the screen’s fully customisable digital content emerges right out of the ‘brushed hairline dark’ surface, a mix of wooden veneer and metallic gloss. The screen then displays a widget-based graphical user interface featuring flight information, a moving map and PED (portable electronic device) screen mirroring as well as seat and lighting adjustment functions. The highlight is that when no longer needed, the screen completely vanishes back into the haptic surface, leaving nothing to see or feel but a high-class finish.

“Following the successful integration of our first in-flight entertainment and cabin management system into the PC-24 in 2022, we have continued to explore new ways to enhance the cabin experience together with Pilatus,” says Andrew Muirhead, vice president original equipment and special aircraft services at Lufthansa Technik.

The PC-24’s integrated Cabin Management System 4.0 (iCMS 4.0) features a 10” touch-screen controller with 3D moving map, USB ports, media storage server and four high fidelity cabin speakers with optional sub-woofer, HDMI input and mood lighting. In the past, such systems have only been installed in larger business jets, but this used an Ethernet-based »nice« in which the entire system was housed as a line-replaceable unit in a compact enclosure. 

“This demonstrator brings together premium design and advanced technology to create a more seamless and intuitive cabin experience. Together with F/List, we have developed an innovative solution that integrates technology discreetly into the cabin while preserving the integrity of its design,” Muirhead continues.

“Our customers want technology that makes life on board easier while preserving the calm and comfort of their cabin. For us, luxury means intuitive, effortless interaction, with technology integrated so naturally into materials and furniture that it becomes part of the experience,” explains Anita Gradwohl, group director of customer relations and sales for the new aircraft interiors business unit at F/List. “Achieving this requires collaboration from the very beginning, developing materials, functionality and the passenger experience together. With the »nice« intelligent cabin divider, we brought our material expertise, craftsmanship and product design into the collaboration, seamlessly integrating Hidden Touch technology into the cabin divider. The result puts the passenger first: functionality that is available when needed, within a surface that retains its aesthetic character.”

“The 'nice' intelligent cabin divider combines innovative technology with the quality and understated design our customers expect,” adds Andre Zimmermann, vice president of business aviation at Pilatus. “This collaboration allows us to explore new ways of making the cabin experience more intuitive, flexible and elegant.”

This divider is the next strategic advancement of Lufthansa Technik’s Hidden Touch technology, which in 2025 won the Red Dot Design Award and has already been showcased in cabinet and foldable tray table applications.

The 'nice intellitable' is a folding tray table that can show flight information, a moving map, seat adjustment, a food and beverage preview and ordering system, music and video content and a flipping book for digital magazines. If needed for its original role, all hidden touch functions can be minimised or switched off, and the smart surface is resistant to spills and scratches.

Customisable for surface appearances such as wood veneer, carbon fibre or metal, all control interfaces can blend seamlessly into the interior design, providing passengers with an equally intuitive yet optically and haptically sophisticated control experience. It also gives interior designers entirely new degrees of freedom.