United Airlines (United) and Panasonic Avionics have signed a deal at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, for Panasonic's new Astrova in-flight engagement (IFE) solution.
United plans to install Astrova on select new Boeing 787 and Airbus A321XLR aircraft beginning in 2025.
This agreement builds upon the airline's previous commitment in 2021 to install Panasonic Avionics' X Series and NEXT IFE systems on both wide-body and narrow-body aircraft.
With this latest agreement around Astrova, United's programme represents the largest ever investment in Panasonic Avionics' IFE by any airline.
Collectively, these agreements cover both line-fit and retrofit installations across United's fleet and are part of United Next, which is enhancing the passenger experience on narrow-body aircraft flown in domestic and short-haul international markets. The United Next programme includes seatback entertainment screens at every seat — first class has 13-inch monitors, while economy has 10-inch monitors, larger overhead bins, high-speed Wi-Fi, USB outlets at every seat, Bluetooth audio connections for in-flight entertainment, and LED lighting throughout the cabin.
Astrova is the first IFE solution to offer 4K OLED technology. The image quality is sharper, clearer, with an infinite contrast ratio, which delivers cinema-grade colours and a perfect black. It also creates a fully immersive experience for passengers with high fidelity 3D spatial audio delivered by Panasonic Avionics' latest Bluetooth technology — together creating the pinnacle of IFE experiences, unmatched in the industry.
