Press Release

Saudi Arabian Airlines Selects Panasonic Avionics’ World-Leading 4K And Bluetooth IFE

11/15/21 | 3 MIN READ

November 15, 2021 – Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic Avionics) has today announced an agreement with Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) to provide its latest 4K and Bluetooth audio in-flight entertainment (IFE) innovations on its 35 new Airbus A321neo family aircraft.

Panasonic Avionics’ NEXT IFE system will be installed on 20 new Airbus A321neo and 15 Airbus A321neoXLR aircraft. The company’s NEXT system, which delivers one of the industry’s most advanced cabin experiences, has been configured to evolve with  the future business objectives of the airline. It leverages a large and evolving suite of digital services from Panasonic Avionics aimed at improving loyalty, revenue generation and passenger engagement.

In addition to the full cabin advanced HD experience, Saudia will also feature  Bluetooth audio streaming, allowing Saudi’s guests to unlock a library of premium entertainment options safely, using their own Bluetooth-enabled headphones. 

Business Class passengers will be able to experience the full 4K experience on 16-inch screens and use wireless charging to seamlessly connect with friends, family and colleagues as soon as they reach their destination. In Economy Class, Saudia has selected 12-inch 4K screens, and high power USB charging at every seat.

Ken Sain, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics, said, “We are delighted to extend our strategic partnership with Saudi Arabian Airlines by taking their passenger experience to the next level with our 4K and Bluetooth audio in-flight entertainment technology. We are very excited to broaden our relationship with Saudia to this new fleet of aircraft and deliver the hardware and digital services that help ensure passengers expectations are exceeded by the best-in-class services available today and into the future.”

Panasonic Avionics is already the IFE provider for Saudia’s fleet of Airbus A320 and Boeing B787-10 aircraft – with 45 aircraft utilizing its technology.

Captain Ibrahim Koshy, Chief Executive Officer at Saudi Arabian Airlines, said, “We are delighted to be partnering again with Panasonic Avionics who have consistently delivered on their product commitments to provide reliable, engaging, tailored in-flight entertainment for our guests. Implementing their 4K and Bluetooth technology onboard our new fleets will ensure we deliver the best passenger experience in the skies.”

About SAUDIA

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company is one of the Middle East’s largest airlines.

In recent years, the airline has invested significantly in its fleet of 144 narrow and widebody aircraft and operates one of the youngest fleets in the skies, with an average aircraft age of 5 years. 

The airline operates a route network which includes 95 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

SAUDIA is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO) as well as a member airline in the SkyTeam alliance since 2012.

This year, the organization was named the World’s Most Improved Airline in 2021 by Skytrax. SAUDIA also received the prestigious accolade in 2017.

The carrier is ranked as a Global Five-Star Major Airline by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and has been awarded the Diamond status by APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying, in recognition of the airline’s extensive safety measures in response to the pandemic.


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