Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic Avionics), the world’s leading supplier of in-flight entertainment and communication systems (IFEC), has today unveiled an extension of its Astrova IFE portfolio with new 4K OLED monitors for First and Business Class cabins.

The larger screens will be available to airlines in five sizes: 19, 22, 27, 32, and 42 inches, boosting the appeal of Astrova for the widebody aircraft market.

Each of the new monitors will be 4K OLED, enabling Panasonic Avionics to offer airlines the highest definition and image quality in the skies in every aircraft cabin.

The image quality is sharper, clearer, and with infinite contrast ratio to deliver cinema-quality colors and perfect black. Combined, this provides a better viewing experience than has ever been available before on a commercial aircraft.

Andy Masson, Vice President of Product Management at Panasonic Avionics, said: “Astrova is transforming the seat back into an easily configured, flexible and personalized digital channel that caters to the individual needs of each passenger, enabling airlines to engage with their customers in flight like never before.

“With the introduction of these new 4K OLED screens for premium aircraft cabins, Panasonic Avionics is enabling airlines to enhance engagement with their most high yielding passengers, helping them to not only retain existing customers, but also attract new ones.”

Astrova is Panasonic Avionics’ next generation IFE seat-end solution. It redefines the role of seatback IFE and reinforces its position as the most valuable opportunity for an airline to engage with its passengers.

Astrova has been adopted at a higher rate than all previous industry-leading IFE systems, and every new size monitor introduced at AIX 2023 has already been selected by an airline.

Astrova creates a fully immersive experience for passengers, with industry-leading 4K OLED screens coupled with spatial audio delivered by Panasonic Avionics’ latest Bluetooth technology.

On board Astrova equipped aircraft, passengers can have up to 100 W of DC power, via USB-C, at their seat – providing the ability to fast charge nearly every current phone and tablet, and around 90% of the world’s laptops. Panasonic Avionics’ newest IFE seat-end solution also features programmable LED accent lighting that will enhance the passenger experience and enable airlines to optimize the cabin environment.

Helping airlines meet their sustainability goals, Astrova offers significant weight savings compared to other seat-end architectures, which will help reduce fuel burn.

Astrova’s unique and modular architecture makes it easily upgradeable throughout its lifecycle, and with minimal re-certification efforts and costs. Panasonic Avionics will provide new processors, every three to five years, along with upgrades to Bluetooth, USB power, and jacks or when new technology is available.

Airlines that select Astrova will also benefit from Panasonic Avionics’ unique business model which ensures that carriers will always offer their passengers the latest IFE innovations, and bring to life a new in-flight touchpoint that draws passengers into the airline’s brand experience at every seat.

Astrova demonstrates Panasonic Avionics’ approach to the market and its mindset in developing products and services to help airlines drive higher net promoter scores (NPS), enhance passenger engagement, increase revenue, and deliver operational efficiencies through IFE and connectivity. It leverages the latest consumer innovations to deliver unique passenger experiences that help carriers achieve their business goals.

About Panasonic Avionics Corporation

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world’s leading supplier of in-flight entertainment and communication systems. The company pioneered the industry beginning in 1979 and has consistently introduced innovations that enable unique customer experiences and enhance airline loyalty (NPS), ancillary revenue, and operational efficiency.

Over 200 leading airlines across the world have chosen to install Panasonic Avionics IFE, satellite Wi-Fi connectivity, and digital services on their aircraft. Panasonic Avionics’ proven systems are supported by the largest, global support and services team utilizing OEM insights to ensure peak system performance.

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is headquartered in California with over 3,500 employees and operates in 50 locations around the globe.

Featured image credited to Mary Kirby