PANASONIC AVIONICS AND SAUDIA SIGN MAJOR AGREEMENT FOR ASTROVA SEAT-END IFE SOLUTION

Panasonic Avionics Corporation and Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA), the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, have signed an agreement for the installation of the Astrova seat-end solution on up to 30 of its aircraft.

Astrova, Panasonic Avionics’ next-generation IFE seat-end solution, redefines the role of seatback IFE and enhances the opportunity for airlines to engage with their passengers.

Through this partnership, Astrova will help create a fully immersive experience for SAUDIA’s guests, with industry-leading 4K OLED screens that have the best high-definition capability available, ensuring the best picture quality coupled with high-quality audio delivered by Panasonic Avionics’ latest Bluetooth technology.

Every passenger will have up to 100 W of direct current power, via USB-C, at their seat – providing the ability to fast charge every current phone and tablet, and around 90 percent of the world’s laptops. Panasonic Avionics’ newest IFE seat-end solution also features programmable LED lighting to enhance the passenger experience and enable SAUDIA to optimize the cabin environment.

Additionally, Panasonic Avionics is working with SAUDIA to develop IFE maintenance capabilities in the Kingdom with its leading Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI). Leveraging strategic relationships with trusted partners, such as Panasonic Avionics, is critical to accelerate growth and benefit from tested best-practice. Working with SAEI, Panasonic Avionics will contribute to the Kingdom and SAUDIA’s localization objectives by enhancing SAEI’s repair capabilities, training its technicians and introducing state-of-the-art technology.