Riyadh Air is set to enhance the flying experience for its passengers with the introduction of a cutting-edge In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system, developed in partnership with Panasonic Avionics Corporation (PAC). The airline has chosen PAC’s Astrova IFE system for its entire fleet of Boeing 787-9 aircraft, marking a significant step in Riyadh Air’s commitment to providing a world-class guest experience.
The Astrova system is designed to deliver “cinema-quality visuals” and high-fidelity audio, thanks to its sharp 4K OLED HDR 10+ screens. These screens promise to bring passengers an immersive in-flight viewing experience. Furthermore, Astrova integrates advanced Bluetooth technology, allowing passengers to use their own wireless headphones to connect to the system, eliminating the need for traditional wired headphones. A standout feature of the new IFE system is the ability for passengers to browse available entertainment options prior to boarding via the Riyadh Air app. Once on board, they can instantly launch their chosen content and resume watching from where they left off during previous flights. This feature is particularly appealing for frequent travelers, offering continuity and ease in entertainment options across multiple journeys.
As part of the new IFE rollout, Riyadh Air is also addressing an emerging trend in passenger needs by equipping the system with USB-C charging ports that provide up to 100W of DC power. This upgrade aligns with Saudi Arabia’s mandate for all mobile devices to feature USB-C ports by 1 January 2025. Additionally, the Astrova system allows passengers to pair their mobile devices with the in-flight screens, enhancing connectivity during the flight.
Anton Vidgen, Vice President of Guest Experience at Riyadh Air, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with Panasonic Avionics represents a significant leap in our mission to redefine the guest experience. By equipping our fleet with advanced inflight entertainment systems, we are ensuring a seamless, immersive, and world-class experience for our guests.
” Panasonic Avionics’ Vice President of Global Sales, Hernan Abes, also highlighted the system’s innovative design, noting that Astrova’s modular structure will allow Riyadh Air to easily update components and software, helping the airline stay ahead of market trends and reduce long-term costs.
This technological leap underscores Riyadh Air’s commitment to providing passengers with state-of-the-art entertainment solutions, ensuring that each journey is as enjoyable as it is comfortable. With these upgrades, Riyadh Air is poised to become a significant player in the competitive aviation industry, offering passengers an unparalleled flying experience from takeoff to landing.
