This is the new United offer a entertainment system (IFE) on board its long-haul aircraft. At the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, United signed a major agreement with Panasonics in the IFE sector, the largest of its kind for a US carrier. United has chosen the Astrovaa pioneer in in-flight 4K OLED technology. This solution will be installed on the new Boeing 787 and Airbus A321XLR of United from 2025. The two partners promise no more and no less than " the ultimate IFE experience ". And not just because of the OLED 4K - with sharper picture quality, and "cinematic-quality colours and perfect blacks" - but also in the audio field. Astrova is based on a 3D spatial sound high fidelity, using a new technology Bluetooth. All of which must guarantee " a totally immersive experience ". In addition to these audiovisual enhancements, the installation of the new system will improve the charging of travellers' devices, with a DC power supply of up to 100 W via a USB-C port.
" Our customers tell us they want to be engaged, entertained and productive on the plane. "says Mark Muren, Managing Director of Identity, Product and Loyalty at United Airlines. " Our new partnership with Panasonic Avionics will make this possible and allow us to set a new standard for in-flight excellence as a key element of United Next. Together, United and Panasonic will set new standards of engagement when customers board a United aircraft. ". This programme United Next had been announced by the company in 2021The airline's ambition is to modernise its fleet over the next decade, notably through the acquisition of 200 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and 70 Airbus A321neo aircraft.
Over and above the improvements promised to passengers, the choice of solution Astrova offers United a number of technical advantages, particularly in terms of flexibility and weight. In fact, the device lighter than other IFEsThis reduces fuel consumption. The system designed by Panasonic also features an architecture that anticipates future improvements, with hardware and software components that can be easily replaced. The CEO of Panasonic Avionics Corporation, Ken Sain, explains " We are confident that Astrova will connect passengers to United more effectively than any other IFE solution, and we will continue to optimize passenger engagement with an in-cabin experience that keeps pace with innovation in consumer technology. Panasonic Avionics will continually update the passenger experience, introducing new products that bring tremendous value and a major competitive advantage to United Airlines. ".
