Panasonic Avionics and United Airlines sign deal to install Astrova in-flight entertainment system on new long-haul aircraft.....

United will be the first U.S airline to offer Panasonic's Astrova system, giving customers exclusive features like 4K OLED screens, high fidelity audio, and programmable LED lighting, starting in 2025

Panasonic Avionics Corporation has announced an agreement with leading American mega-carrier United Airlines as its first customer in the Americas for its 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 widebody and narrowbody aircraft.

With this latest agreement around Astrova, United's program 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 narrowbody aircraft flown in domestic and short-haul international markets. The United Next program includes seatback entertainment screens at every seat — first class has 13-inch monitors, while the 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.

Mark Muren, Managing Director - Identity, Product, and Loyalty at United Airlines, says: "Our customers tell us that they want to be engaged, entertained and productive in the air. Our new partnership with Panasonic Avionics will make that possible and enable us to set a new standard of in-flight excellence as a key part of United Next. Together United and Panasonic will drive new standards of engagement when customers come onboard a United aircraft."

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 the 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.