Airbus subsidiary Satair Group is set to distribute laser-reflection kits jointly developed by Metamaterial Technologies Inc. (MTI) and Airbus to guard pilots against harmful laser beams, with the Airbus A320 eyed as the first model.

The technology, metaAIR, is a flexible, optical film-like filter that can be applied to transparent surfaces, such as inside of cockpit windows. The filter reflects harmful laser beams aimed at aircraft, preventing them from entering the aircraft.

MTI and Airbus, through its corporate innovation arm, signed a deal in 2014 to evaluate the technology. Earlier this year, they announced a new agreement for the product's validation, certification and commercialization.

The latest deal, a memorandum of understanding announced at Le Bourget, puts Satair front and center in the go-to-market strategy, leveraging the company’s global presence and extended distribution and parts support services.

Satair (Hall 4 B194) is close to  choosing a partner for Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) development, with a goal of getting FAA, European Aviation Safety Agency, and Transport Canada Civil Aviation approval next year. Single-aisle aircraft will be the first target market, and market demand will dictate what aircraft follow. 

George Palikaras, MTI Founder and CEO, believes there will be significant demand from the air transport, business aviation, and helicopter markets.

The product will focus on retrofits rather than the line-fit market, Palikaras said. Installation takes a few hours and requires little training. While the kit could be installed during an overnight check, Palikaras expects most operators to do the work during more extended downtimes.