Finnair Launches Panasonic Avionics’ Arc In-Flight Map in Europe

February 24, 2022 – Finnair has selected Panasonic Avionics Corporation’s (Panasonic Avionics) Arc^TM map platform to enhance the passenger experience onboard its long-haul fleet.

This captivating and immersive map solution will be available through Panasonic Avionics’ eX3 in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. It will be further enhanced by Panasonic Avionics’ high-speed connectivity services, which are also installed across Finnair’s long haul fleet. With the unveiling of its new long-haul cabins, Finnair is the launch customer for Arc in Europe.

Arc will be installed on the airline’s 19 Airbus A350-900 and eight A330-300 aircraft, with the first having entered service on February 10th. It brings a wide range of innovations to the traditional in-flight map application, while expanding the concept into a fully integrated experience within the IFE and connectivity system – which is already provided by Panasonic Avionics.

Arc will be available to all passengers, in all cabin classes using Panasonic Avionics’ eX3 product and visible on overhead monitors and seatback screens.

Using Arc, passengers will now be able to choose from over 20 distinct map views in full HD for various phases of flight, incorporating everything from stunning 3D satellite imagery, local and global views, down to a personalized feature that enables passengers to see the aircraft’s relative position to their selected map location throughout their flight.

Andrew Mohr, Vice President of Digital Solutions for Panasonic Avionics Corporation, said, “The moving map is an integral part of the passenger experience and Arc takes this to a whole new dimension. As the European launch customer, Finnair, with its well-deserved reputation for innovation, will be setting the standard for the in-flight map experience across this important region.”

Arc is inspired by the latest design thinking of contemporary digital and gaming experiences and enables airlines to leverage the high viewership of in-flight moving maps.

Arc is designed so that new content can soon be efficiently pushed to individual aircraft via its own global connectivity services, ensuring a unique, fresh passenger experience that also maximizes operational efficiency and passenger engagement.

Harri Valkama, Digital Channel Lead at Finnair, says: “Finnair is striving to create a unique, differentiated IFE user experience and we are excited to take the 3D map experience to the next level with Panasonic Avionics, going beyond offering a traditional third party off-the-shelf app. We found it very valuable to actively participate and influence the development of the Panasonic Arc map based on the feedback received from our customers. The map will be an integral part of the Finnair IFE user interface and we see big potential in the possibilities enabled by open APIs. In the future, Arc Studio will enable us to easily make changes to the Arc map and influence how the map is shown to our customers. “

Since its debut, Arc has experienced one of the highest adoption rates of any Panasonic Avionics service, with confirmed orders from over 20 airlines on over 300 aircraft, highlighting the success of Panasonic Avionics’ commitment to leading the digital evolution of the passenger experience.

About Panasonic Avionics Corporation  

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world’s leading supplier of in-flight entertainment and communication systems. The company pioneered the industry beginning in 1979 and has consistently introduced innovations that enable unique customer experiences and enhance airline loyalty (NPS), ancillary revenue, and operational efficiency.

Leading airlines across the world have chosen to install Panasonic Avionics IFE systems on more than 15,000 commercial aircraft and satellite Wi-Fi connectivity on over 3,400 aircraft. Panasonic Avionics’ proven systems power approximately 70% of the global IFE-equipped fleet and is supported by the largest, global support and services team utilizing OEM insights to ensure peak system performance.

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is headquartered in California with over 3,500 employees and operates in 50 locations around the globe.

For additional information, please visit www.panasonic.aero.   

Panasonic Avionics Media Contacts

Brian Bardwell
Sr. Manager, Corporate Communications
Tel: +1 949 672 2000
pr@panasonic.aero

Rowena Falcinella 
Manager, Corporate Communications
Tel: + 1 949 672 2000
pr@panasonic.aero