Focus On: Astrova

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Future-proofing IFE

Panasonic Avionics' new seat-end IFE solution took AIX by storm. April April Waterston explores what exactly makes Astrova stand out from the crowd... explores what exactly makes Astrova stand out from the crowd...

Aseamless transition from high-quality, state-of-theart technology on the ground to in-cabin is what today’s passengers have increasingly come to expect.

No longer are they satisfied with pixelated screens, crackly audio and lagging user interfaces – they want to feel as at home using a seat-back IFE screen as they would their own personal entertainment device.

Replicating the speed and performance of the constantly evolving technology we have at home within the limitations of a seat-back screen is no easy task. But aiming to meet that challenge is Panasonic Avionics' new seat end solution, Astrova.

Launched at the Airline Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg earlier this year, Astrova promises to disrupt the seatback screen scene with technology never before seen onboard.

Home comforts

"Astrova is the first inflight entertainment solution to truly recognise the untapped potential of seatback IFE and provides airlines with a powerful and targeted way of engaging with their passengers every time they fly," said Ken Sain, CEO of Panasonic Avionics Corporation.

A first of its kind, one of Astrova's most notable features is its 4K OLED screen with High Dynamic Range (HDR), offering a quality of picture to rival the latest televisions. For sound, passengers can expect a variety of high-fidelity audio enhancements and Panasonic Avionics’ Onboard Hospitality Award-winning Bluetooth technology.

Future-proof modularity

With sustainability at the forefront of every new product to market, Astrova has been designed to not only reduce space and weight onboard, but also with modularity and flexibility in mind. As technology and passenger demand evolve, individual hardware and software components of the system can be upgraded without the need for an entire cabin-wide, full-system retrofit. It is also backward compatible with older Panasonic Avionics' systems. A partnership with Recaro Aircraft Seating at AIX saw Astrova launched installed on Recaro's CL3810 Economy seat – a product also built with modularity as a key selling point.

Does this rising focus on modularity represent a shift in expectations for airlines reacting to changing passenger demand? Qatar Airways isn't waiting to find out, having been the very first airline to tap Astrova for its Boeing 777x fleet. panasonic.aero •

with a powerful and targeted way of Does this rising focus on modularity represent a shift in Onboard Hospitality expectations? Award-winning Bluetooth technology. every new product to market, Astrova has been designed to not only reduce space and weight onboard, but also with modularity and flexibility in mind.