They're really in a jam(co) now

Some days just show why doing this is all worth it.

For many months, the promotional contention was that Boeing was going to buy SPD windows from Inspectech Aero Servies to fulfill their specification of electronically dimming cabin windows. In response to the reasonable observation that Inspectech is in fact nothing more than a broker for the technology with no manufacturing capabilities of its own, promoters demanded, in effect, "well, if it isn't Inspectech and SPD, then who? Who dammit???"

That came to a crashing end yesterday on the forums. The trigger was a post by our friend Ed Wesnofske. In clarification of the most recent challenge, Ed posted a quote from Klaus Brauer, the head of interior design for the 787 project, wherein he stated that the mystery technology for the cabin windows "is in use on some business jets today and, in fact, in some lavatory windows on commercial airplanes."

While Wesnofske's source on the quote is unclear (it was described only as an "online chat"), this proved to be a vital clue. Forum poster xavierducats seized upon the new information and very quickly researched up what very much appears to be the answer to the long-standing riddle.

Meet the JAMCO luxury lavatory. It's certainly not like anything you'll find on your typical domestic flight, that's for certain. But scroll down to the bottom and -- what's this? -- a liquid crystal window that goes clear and dark at the touch of a button. Just as Brauer said.

And if that weren't enough, xavierducats followed that up by referencing the JAMCO news page, wherein JAMCO reveals a long-standing supplier relationship with Boeing, including a significant upgrade in standing for the 787 project.

So there's hardly any room for doubt at all that this is the technology Brauer had in mind with the lavatory comment. Mind you, a handful will remain in denial, as JAMCO has not yet explicitly stated that they are doing the cabin windows, but for all intents and purposes, this particular storyline is over.

But stay tuned. They'll come up with something else soon. They have to.