Two more airlines are now flying the Astrova in-flight entertainment (IFE) system and Modular Interactive (MI) platform from Panasonic Avionics.
Panasonic Avionics has entered commercial service with Saudia and Azerbaijan Airlines, with both carriers now operating its Astrova in-flight entertainment (IFE) system and Modular Interactive platform (a set of enterprise tools for IFE branding) – including the first deployment of Astrova aboard an Airbus A321XLR.
Saudia Airlines has selected Astrova IFE, the MI platform, and Panasonic’s Arc 3D moving map for 15 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, which marks the first deployment of Astrova on an A321XLR. The agreement extends Panasonic Avionics’ existing relationship with the carrier, which had previously committed to retrofit Astrova systems across 46 aircraft –15 A321s, 12 A330s, and 19 Boeing 777s.
Azerbaijan Airlines is also deploying Astrova and MI, across six A321neos and five A320neos. The systems will be rolled out through a combination of linefit and retrofit installations, as part of a broader plan to fit the systems on 22 aircraft in the carrier’s fleet.
Both airlines are fitting Astrova 4K OLED HDR10+ displays with Bluetooth audio technology, along with up to 67W of USB-C power at each seat for charging electronic devices. The Saudia installation also includes programmable LED cabin lighting.
Hernan Abbes, senior vice president of global sales at Panasonic Avionics, said, “With Astrova and MI, we have delivered a solution that will evolve at pace with airlines’ needs over time. MI gives operators the flexibility for A/B testing and quick optimisation of their interactive experience, with the ability to unlock new upgrades and features to services such as USB power and Bluetooth technology as standards change.”
