This week saw Qatar Airways become the launch customer for Panasonic Avionics’ new EcoFW 10in IFE display upgrade programme. The seatback IFE monitors on the airline’s fleet of 37 Boeing 777 aircraft will be updated with Panasonic monitors to create an HD viewing experience for passengers while extending the life of the fleet’s IFE system and reducing operational costs. The IFE upgrade programme, which can be achieved on an aircraft during routine overnight maintenance, includes the installation of a new passenger entertainment server.
The upgraded system, which powers the airline’s Oryx One IFE system, provides passengers with a wider range of content to choose from and helps to modernise the airline’s offering and keep up-to-date with the demands of changing consumer preferences. According to Panasonic the system also enables the airline to achieve faster media loading times, all without any increase in weight, and with “dramatically improved” reliability levels.
Ken Sain, CEO of Panasonic Avionics Corporation said, “We are delighted to be deepening our longstanding partnership with Qatar Airways [it began in 2000] by upgrading a key element of their fleet with our latest generation of inflight entertainment solutions. We are confident this will enable them to deliver an enhanced passenger experience and benefit from a host of operational efficiencies.”
