Long-haul flights come at a cost — your body clock. But a new lighting innovation from UK studio JPA Design promises to change that. Called Afterglow, it’s a biodynamic cabin lighting system engineered to guide your circadian rhythm during flight, making red-eyes feel less punishing.
Key Features & Benefits
- Dynamic Orb-Based Lighting that mimics sunrise/sunset and integrates with cabin fixtures
- Adaptive Circadian Control — colour temperature and intensity evolve based on flight time and destination
- Retrofit-Friendly Design — intended for upgrade in existing jets, not just new builds
- Visible & Controllable — the orb becomes a sculptural element passengers and owners can interact with directly
At its heart is a floating “orb,” embedded behind a frosted-glass panel, that slides vertically through a bulkhead. This orb mimics the progression of sunrise and sunset, working in concert with the cabin’s broader lighting network. As the aircraft crosses time zones, Afterglow can adjust colour temperature (from warmer to cooler tones) and brightness levels to keep your internal clock aligned with destination time. The aim: reduce fatigue, improve mood, and ease arrival.
The system is designed for the lounges and staterooms of large jets (JPA Design)
Designed for retrofit on existing jets, the system is part of JPA’s broader wellness-driven design ethos. As creative director Elliott Koehler puts it: “The idea is to take off in a healthier way than you’ve ever done before.”
Unlike conventional cabin lighting, Afterglow functions almost like a living sculpture: the orb is visible, dynamic, and designed for one user (typically the owner) to control. Rather than a screen or module tucked away, the light source becomes part of the cabin’s aesthetic story.
Connected to the cabin’s lighting, the Afterglow orb (left) mimics solar cycles to help eliminate jet lag on long flights (JPA Design)
JPA is already pushing further: at London Design Festival 2025, the studio presented Afterglow Frequencies — a multi-sensory installation exploring how light, sound and scent can work together to support wellness in motion.
For operators and charter clients, this means a future where long-distance travel doesn’t leave you drained — but refreshed.
