Saudia signs major inflight entertainment deal with Panasonic

Saudi Arabia signed a professional inflight entertainment (IFE) deals with Panasonic Avionics. As part of the agreement, the global electronics giant’s Astrova system will be installed on 30 of the airline’s aircraft – 12 Airbus A330s and 18 Boeing 777s.

While the 30 planes to be refurbished represent a fraction of Saudia’s 160-vehicle fleet, the deal marks a major modernization of the airline’s current IFE offering and a step in Saudi Arabia’s transformational ambitions towards achieving its Vision 2030. Another step out.

Photo: Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Group Managing Director Ibrahim Al-Omar said,

“In Saudi Arabia, we are constantly looking to improve the passenger experience on our aircraft by investing in new technologies and upgrading our systems. Thanks to this partnership with Astrova, our guests will be able to experience the very best inflight entertainment, and many more personalization features to make their journey truly memorable.”

Astrova Inflight Entertainment

The Astrova IFE system from Panasonic Avionics features a state-of-the-art 4K OLED screen and high-quality audio via the latest Bluetooth technology. The system also allows passengers to charge their personal devices via 100W fast charging points and customize their seat LED lighting.

Photo: Nicolas Economou | Shutterstock

The system’s hardware and software can be easily upgraded over time to accommodate new technologies and meet changing market demands, making it a popular choice for airlines. earlier this week, United Airlines Selects Astrova System installed in its Airbus A321XLR.

Panasonic Avionics CEO Ken Sain highlighted the benefits that the Astrova IFE system will bring to Saudia, saying,

“We are delighted to sign this agreement with our long-term customer, Saudia. Installing Astrova in its widebody fleet demonstrates the airline’s commitment not only to sustainability, but to its customers and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. Astrova for Saudia Provides an innovative IFE solution that will enhance interaction with passengers and can be easily upgraded without the need for a complete or costly interior remodel.”

Vision 2030 and beyond

As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia wants to diversify its economy away from oil and increase tourist numbers.As the country’s flag carrier, Saudia plays an important role in this, along with a growing number of new airlines such as riyadh air and new ohm airlines.

Under its ongoing modernization program, Saudia Introduced new Airbus A321XLR business class seat Its quality service was on par with the world’s leading airlines at the Arabian Travel Market held in Dubai last month. Saudia has ordered 15 A321XLRs, the first of which is expected to arrive in 2024.

Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Simple Flying

To boost the country’s overall economy, Panasonic will also work with Saudi Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI), Saudi Arabia’s main MRO provider, to strengthen its local IFE maintenance facility. Al-Omar continued to celebrate the positive changes that the Panasonic deal and SAEI’s subsequent expansion will bring to Saudi Arabia, adding,

“As SAEI expands, their commitment to localization continues to grow as they work with multiple companies to increase the capabilities of their technicians to provide services not only in Saudi Arabia, but throughout the MENA region.” Panasonic and SAEI The partnership will be a tool for the local market as it will create jobs for Saudis while providing maintenance capabilities.”