(June 8, 2023) In an exciting announcement, United Airlines partnered with Panasonic Avionics Corporation to bring its passengers a groundbreaking in-flight entertainment (IFE) experience. As the first U.S. airline to adopt Panasonic’s transformative Astrova system, United is set to revolutionize long-haul international travel with exclusive features and state-of-the-art technology.
In 2025, select new Boeing 787, and Airbus A321XLR aircraft will be equipped with the Astrova IFE system, setting a new standard of excellence for United Airlines. With this partnership, United has solidified its position as the leading investor in Panasonic Avionics’ IFE systems across its wide and narrowbody fleets.
Astrova represents a significant leap forward in in-flight entertainment, boasting unparalleled features. At the heart of this innovative system are 4K OLED screens, providing passengers with stunning image quality characterized by sharper visuals, infinite contrast ratio, and cinema-grade colors. These cutting-edge screens create a fully immersive experience, captivating passengers and transporting them into a world of entertainment.
The Astrova system’s high-fidelity 3D spatial audio is Accompanying the remarkable visuals delivered through Panasonic Avionics’ latest Bluetooth technology. Passengers can expect an extraordinary auditory experience that complements the stunning visuals, enhancing their in-flight entertainment enjoyment.
In addition to its impressive audiovisual capabilities, Astrova offers practical benefits that cater to passengers’ charging needs. United’s customers will have access to up to 100W of DC power via USB-C at their seats, enabling fast charging of the latest smartphones, tablets, and laptops throughout the flight. This feature ensures that passengers can stay connected and productive throughout their journey without worrying about their devices running out of power.
Astrova’s modular architecture sets it apart from traditional IFE solutions. The system’s components can be easily upgraded throughout its lifecycle, meeting evolving market requirements and passenger expectations with minimal re-certification efforts and costs. This flexibility allows United to continuously provide its passengers with the latest IFE innovations and keep pace with advancements in consumer technology.
Ken Sain, CEO of Panasonic Avionics Corporation, expressed his confidence in the partnership, highlighting Astrova’s ability to enhance passenger engagement and connect travelers to United like never before. The collaboration between the two companies ensures that the in-flight experience remains at the forefront of innovation, offering passengers enormous value and a significant competitive advantage.
Furthermore, Panasonic Avionics’ commitment to adapting Astrova to align with current consumer technologies is exemplified by a removable peripheral bar, a proprietary and patented technology. This feature empowers United to integrate and upgrade various functionalities, including Bluetooth and other cutting-edge capabilities. By incorporating technologies that passengers are already familiar with daily, United ensures a seamless transition between ground and air experiences.
The United Next program, of which Astrova is integral, aims to enhance the passenger experience on narrowbody aircraft for domestic and short-haul international flights. This initiative includes seatback entertainment screens for every seat, larger overhead bins, high-speed Wi-Fi, USB outlets, Bluetooth audio connections, and LED lighting throughout the cabin. With Astrova at its core, United Next promises an exceptional travel experience that caters to the needs and preferences of modern passengers.
United Airlines partnership with Panasonic Avionics marks a turning point in the aviation industry. By investing in the transformative Astrova IFE system, United is spearheading a new era of in-flight entertainment, ensuring its passengers enjoy an extraordinary and immersive journey from takeoff to landing. With its commitment to passenger engagement and cutting-edge technology, United Airlines is poised to deliver an unparalleled travel experience that sets the standard for the future of air travel.