Summary:
- Saudia will become the first airline to deploy Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova inflight engagement solution on the Airbus A321XLR, enhancing the onboard passenger experience.
- The programme marks the first deployment in Saudi Arabia of Panasonic Avionics’ Modular Interactive platform, Arc 3D moving map and wider digital engagement portfolio.
- Astrova’s 4K OLED displays, Bluetooth-enabled spatial audio, USB-C fast charging and personalised digital experiences support Saudia’s ongoing investment in next-generation guest experience innovation.
Saudia is partnering with Panasonic Avionics Corporation to install the Astrova inflight engagement (IFE) solution in an Airbus A321XLR aircraft for the first time. The programme also marks the first deployment of Panasonic Avionics’ Modular Interactive (MI) platform and Arc interactive map application in Saudi Arabia, as well as Panasonic Avionics’ wider digital portfolio.
The flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has selected the Astrova IFE solution, MI, and Arc for 15 Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The agreement builds on Panasonic Avionics’ longstanding relationship with Saudia, including its previous commitment to retrofit Astrova across 46 of the airline’s single and dual-aisle aircraft – 15 Airbus A321s, 12 Airbus A330s and 19 Boeing 777s.
Travellers onboard Saudia’s Astrova-equipped aircraft will benefit from a fully immersive IFE experience featuring 4K OLED HDR10+ displays, spatial audio powered by Panasonic Avionics’ latest Bluetooth technology, and intuitive guest engagement capabilities designed to deliver a next-generation onboard experience.
Each seat additionally features up to 67W of USB-C direct current power, enabling fast charging for mobile phones, tablets, compatible laptops, and other personal electronic devices throughout all phases of flight. Panasonic Avionics’ latest IFE solution also includes programmable LED lighting, allowing Saudia to tailor its cabin ambience and elevate onboard comfort throughout the journey.
“We continue to reimagine the guest journey at Saudia through every detail of the onboard experience,” said Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer, Saudia. “With the introduction of Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova system, Modular Interactive platform and Arc 3D moving map on our A321XLR, we are taking the next step in the evolution of our BEYOND inflight entertainment experience. This technology allows us to bring richer storytelling, greater personalisation and a more immersive digital journey to our guests, while supporting Saudia’s broader investment in a more seamless, modern and authentically Saudi travel experience.”
Panasonic Avionics’ MI platform provides Saudia with a highly customisable suite of enterprise tools that can extend its branding throughout the IFE experience while enabling deeper engagement. At the core of the platform is MI Studio, a full-featured interactive design tool that will allow Saudia to rapidly deploy seasonal updates, promotional campaigns, loyalty experiences, and tailored content across the seatback interface.
Saudia passengers will also experience Panasonic Avionics’ Arc 3D moving map application, which combines stunning visuals, dynamic real-time data, and immersive storytelling to transform the moving map into a fully interactive onboard engagement experience. Designed to increase engagement throughout the journey, Arc enables airlines to showcase destinations, points of interest, and branded content through a highly intuitive interface.
“We are delighted to see our award-winning Astrova solution, MI, and Arc enter service onboard the Airbus A321XLR for the first time, and especially with our longstanding customer, Saudia,” said Aziz Koseni, Head of Sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Panasonic Avionics. “This latest deployment reflects the airline’s continued investment in delivering a guest experience that aligns with its ambitious growth strategy and vision for the future of travel.”
Hernan Abbes, Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Panasonic Avionics, added: “Astrova, MI, and Arc have been designed to give airlines greater flexibility and to evolve and enhance the onboard experience over time. Working together, Saudia and Panasonic Avionics are revolutionising inflight engagement by providing guests with an immersive and highly personalized entertainment environment.”
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