ZEISS enters the aerospace market

With the launch of its new AEROSPACE Field of Business, ZEISS is strengthening its strategic focus on high-growth future markets. In addition to the existing areas "Automotive & Consumer" and "Industrial Solutions & Research," AEROSPACE becomes the third Field of Business within ZEISS Microoptics – with a clear focus on micro-optical innovations for the aerospace sector.

Third Generation Head-Up Display (HUD) for cockpits
Becoming increasingly compact, lightweight, and efficient thanks to ZEISS holographic waveguides – with enhanced optical performance compared to existing solutions. As an evolving key technology in aviation, HUDs allow pilots to view critical flight data projected onto a transparent screen, with trajectory-related symbols precisely aligned in the forward field of view. This seamless overlay enhances situational awareness, especially during approach and landing phases, by keeping essential guidance information directly within the pilot’s line of sight.

This operational advantage is becoming increasingly relevant as the aviation industry faces growing challenges: stricter safety requirements, more complex cockpit systems, and the need to present information in a way that supports pilot focus and reduces cognitive load. At the same time, new regulations and the trend toward more autonomous flight functions are accelerating the adoption of advanced display technologies such as HUDs – making them a central element of future-ready cockpit design.

Transparent displays
For example integrated into glass cabin dividers, which can serve as multifunctional information and entertainment surfaces for airline passengers – without the need for additional monitors. ZEISS technology enables these transparent surfaces to act as projection displays while maintaining a high level of clarity and light transmission. Different content can even be shown in opposite directions, turning otherwise passive cabin elements into interactive, space-saving user interfaces.

"The demands of aerospace – from weight savings and space efficiency to intuitive interaction – align precisely with the strengths of our technology. With this new business unit, we are laying the foundation to develop sustainable, forward-looking solutions together with partners across the industry," says Dennis Lehr, Head of ZEISS Microoptics – Aerospace and Industrial Solutions & Research Business.

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