As part of the Aircraft Interiors Expo held in Hamburg, Panasonic announced the conclusion of an agreement with Qatar Airways for the provision of the new Astrova in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, which the supplier of communication and entertainment solutions presented at the exhibition.
Features
According to the manufacturer, the Astrova technology will offer passengers an enhanced experience. It is an OLED screen with 4K resolution and high dynamic range (HDR) images. The high-fidelity audio is provided by traditional wired connections or through Bluetooth technology developed by Panasonic Avionics.
On the other hand, it allows the connection of personal devices. Astrova provides 67 watts of USB-C power for charging laptops or mobile phones.
In addition, it features programmable LED lighting to enhance the individual experience and optimize the cabin environment. In this way, crews will be able to adjust the display lighting according to the phase of the flight. Each passenger will also be able to customize the configuration according to their personal preferences.
Panasonic said that the new technology will allow airlines to optimize onboard entertainment according to their business objectives, as it is «a flexible and easy to configure channel». In this regard, the company noted that Astrova will be enabled by Panasonic Avionics’ global in-flight connectivity services. In this way, it will facilitate content personalization and provide access to subscription services and on-demand content.
Ken Sain, CEO of Panasonic Avionics Corporation, said that «Astrova is the first in-flight entertainment solution to truly recognize the untapped potential of seatback IFE».
Agreement with Qatar Airways
The Astrova system will be implemented for the first time on Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777X fleet. The airline will thus become the launch customer worldwide. It will incorporate two versions: a 22-inch display developed for premium classes and a 13-inch display developed for economy classes.
«Our partnership is a testament to our commitment to providing a second to none customer experience», assured Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways.
Astrova will be the host screen for the airline’s Oryx One in-flight entertainment system. It will offer more than 5.000 content options and provide Qatar Airways’ Wi-Fi and GSM connectivity services.
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