Panasonic Avionics revealed its next generation of seat back screens alongside launch partner United Airlines that is making the largest investment ever in the IFE technology.
The next-generation Astrova 4K OLEG screens are available in five sizes from 19inch for single isle business class seats up to 42inch premium class front row monitors.
The hardware, alongside upgraded connectivity and flexibility for airlines to upgrade and manage IFE software, promises to herald an new era for onboard engagement and personalisation.
United will fit the new technology throughout its international and domestic fleet as part of a complete refurbishment programme. In total 300,000 screens will be fitted on its aircraft.
Work will start on the carrier’s Boeing 787s and Airbus A321XLRs from 2025. It forms part if United Next programme to enhance passenger experience in narrowbody aircraft.
Unveiling the screens on the first day of Aircraft Interior Expo in Hamburg today, Ken Sain, chief executive of Panasonic Avionics Corporation, said the technology is "game changing".
“Our partnership with United Airlines reflects our shared vision to take the passenger engagement to a whole new level.
“We are confident that Astrova will connect passengers to United more effectively than any other IFE solution, and we will continue to optimise passenger engagement with a cabin experience that keeps pace with innovation in the consumer technology space.
“Panasonic Avionics will perpetually update the passenger experience, introducing new products that bring enormous value and a major competitive advantage to United Airlines.”
Mark Muren, managing director - identity, product, and loyalty at United Airlines, said: “Our customers tell us that they want to be engaged, entertained and productive in the air.
“Our new partnership with Panasonic Avionics will make that possible and enable us to set a new standard of in-flight excellence as a key part of United Next.
“Together United and Panasonic will drive new standards of engagement when customers come onboard a United aircraft.”
Panasonic claims Astrova is the first IFE solution to offer 4K OLED technology providing image quality that is sharper, clearer, with an infinite contrast ratio, which delivers cinema-grade colours.
It also creates a fully immersive experience for passengers with high fidelity 3D spatial audio delivered by Panasonic Avionics’ latest Bluetooth technology.
United’s passengers will also enjoy up to 100 W of DC power via USB-C at their seat, providing the ability to fast charge the latest phones and tablets, and laptops through all phases of flight.
Astrova’s modular architecture makes it easily upgradeable throughout its lifecycle, and with minimal re-certification efforts and costs.
Key hardware and software components can be replaced over time to meet changing market requirements and satisfy ever-increasing passenger expectations.
