Linstol positions audio as the next frontier of the passenger experience
This is a special feature from the May 2026 Post-AIX/PAX Awards issue of PAX Tech, on page 87.
Jakob Levison, Global Director of Audio, Linstol
As passenger expectations around inflight entertainment continue to evolve, Linstol is positioning audio as a key component to the onboard experience. The company’s approach moves beyond functionality, focusing instead on how sound can shape comfort, immersion and passenger well-being throughout the journey.
“At its core, our approach is about creating more engaging and comfortable experiences through sound,” says Jakob Levison, Global Director of Audio at Linstol.
That philosophy is reflected across Linstol’s growing audio portfolio, which spans solutions for Economy Class through premium cabins. The company has adopted what it describes as a more curated approach, prioritizing purposeful products tailored to airline requirements and passenger expectations.
The strategy also allows Linstol to invest more deeply in design, acoustic performance and long-haul comfort. One example is the Meridian 260 headset developed for United Airlines, which recently earned recognition at the PAX Readership Awards 2026. Designed specifically for the cabin environment, the headset balances acoustic clarity with fatigue-free listening and ergonomic comfort for long-haul travel.
Levison says airlines are responding as travelers become accustomed to increasingly sophisticated listening experiences on the ground.
“Sound plays a critical role in how passengers feel onboard,” Levison says. “It contributes to comfort, reduces fatigue and enhances the overall experience.”
He also highlights how partnerships are central to the company’s innovation strategy. Collaborations such as Sound by Bose technology reflect the growing demand for premium, branded onboard audio experiences that align with consumer technology trends. By combining partner expertise with its own understanding of the inflight environment, Linstol is developing differentiated solutions for airline customers.
Looking ahead, the company sees wireless and connected audio as the next major opportunity for inflight listening. While untethered audio could create more freedom and personalization for passengers, challenges around connectivity reliability, battery performance and integration with existing IFEC systems still remain.
