Saudia has introduced Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova inflight entertainment (IFE) system on its Airbus A321XLR aircraft, marking the first deployment of the platform on the aircraft type and the first installation of Panasonic Avionics’ Modular Interactive (MI) platform and Arc 3D moving map application in Saudi Arabia.
The carrier has selected Astrova, MI and Arc for 15 Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The deployment follows an earlier agreement to retrofit the Astrova platform across 46 aircraft in Saudia’s fleet, including Airbus A321s, Airbus A330s and Boeing 777s.
The Astrova system features 4K OLED HDR10+ seatback displays, Bluetooth audio connectivity and USB-C charging capabilities providing up to 67W of power for passenger electronic devices. The platform also includes programmable LED lighting integrated into the cabin experience.
Alongside the IFE hardware, Saudia is deploying Panasonic Avionics’ Modular Interactive platform, which enables airlines to manage and customise digital content and branding across the seatback interface. The system includes MI Studio, a design and content management tool that supports updates to passenger-facing content and promotional experiences.
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Passengers will also have access to Panasonic Avionics’ Arc 3D moving map application, which combines real-time flight data with interactive destination and route information.
Aziz Koseni, Head of Sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Panasonic Avionics, said: “We are delighted to see our award-winning Astrova solution, MI, and Arc enter service onboard the Airbus A321XLR for the first time, and especially with our longstanding customer, Saudia. This latest deployment reflects the airline’s continued investment in delivering a guest experience that aligns with its ambitious growth strategy and vision for the future of travel.”
Hernan Abbes, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Panasonic Avionics, added: “Astrova, MI, and Arc have been designed to give airlines greater flexibility and to evolve and enhance the onboard experience over time. Working together, Saudia and Panasonic Avionics are revolutionizing in-flight engagement by providing guests with an immersive and highly personalized entertainment environment.”
Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, said: “We continue to reimagine the guest journey at Saudia through every detail of the onboard experience. With the introduction of Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova system, Modular Interactive platform and Arc 3D moving map on our A321XLR, we are taking the next step in the evolution of our BEYOND in-flight entertainment experience. This technology allows us to bring richer storytelling, greater personalization and a more immersive digital journey to our guests, while supporting Saudia’s broader investment in a more seamless, modern and authentically Saudi travel experience.”
The deployment expands Panasonic Avionics’ presence within Saudia’s fleet and brings its latest generation IFE, passenger engagement and digital content management technologies to the airline’s new A321XLR aircraft.
