Saudia Signs Major Inflight Entertainment Agreement With Panasonic

Saudia has signed a major inflight entertainment (IFE) deal with Panasonic Avionics. As part of the agreement, the global electronics giant’s Astrova system will be installed on 30 of the carrier’s aircraft – 12 Airbus A330s and 18 Boeing 777s.

While the 30 aircraft to be refurbished represent only a minority of Saudia’s 160-strong fleet, the deal marks a significant modernization of the airline’s current IFE offering, and is another step towards Saudi Arabia achieving its Vision 2030 transformation ambitions.

Photo: Saudia

The General Director of the Saudia Group, Ibrahim Al-Omar, said,

“At Saudia, we are constantly looking to improve the guest experience onboard 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 best of in-flight entertainment, with more personalized features, making their journey with us truly memorable.”

Astrova inflight entertainment

Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova IFE system features state-of-the-art 4K OLED screens, coupled with high-quality audio, delivered by the latest Bluetooth technology. The system also allows passengers to charge their personal devices via 100W rapid charging points, and to customize their in-seat LED lighting.

Photo: Nicolas Economou | Shutterstock

The system’s hardware and software can be easily upgraded over time in line with new technologies and to meet changing market requirements, making it a popular choice with airlines. Earlier this week, United Airlines selected the Astrova system to be installed on its Airbus A321XLRs.

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 longstanding customer, Saudia. The installation of Astrova on its widebody fleet indicates the airline’s commitment not only to sustainability but also to its customers and the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision. Astrova provides Saudia with an innovative IFE solution that will enhance engagement with its passengers and is easy to upgrade without full or costly interior changes.”

Vision 2030 and beyond

As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia hopes to diversify its economy away from oil, and increase tourist arrivals. As the nation’s flag carrier, Saudia plays a significant role in this, along with an ever-increasing number of new airlines, such as Riyadh Air and NEOM Airlines.

In line with its ongoing modernization program, Saudia unveiled a new Airbus A321XLR business class seat at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai last month, bringing its premium offering up to par with the world’s leading airlines. Saudia has an order for 15 A321XLRs, the first of which is expected to arrive in 2024.

Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Simple Flying

In a boost to the country’s wider economy, Panasonic will also bolster its local IFE maintenance facilities, in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s primary MRO provider, Saudi Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI). Al-Omar went on to celebrate the positive changes that the deal with Panasonic and the subsequent expansion of SAEI will bring to Saudi Arabia, adding,

“As SAEI expands, their commitment to localization continues to grow as they collaborate with several companies to enhance the capabilities of their technicians to provide service not only in the Kingdom but to the MENA region as a whole. Panasonic’s work with SAEI will be an instrument to the local market, as it will open up jobs for Saudis while providing repair capabilities.”