Panasonic Avionics Corporation today announced Qatar Airways as the launch customer for its new EcoFW 10” inflight entertainment (IFE) upgrade program.

 

The seatback IFE monitors on the airline’s fleet of 37 Boeing 777 aircraft will be updated with Panasonic’s new EcoFW 10” monitor upgrade - creating a next-generation HD passenger experience while extending the life of the fleet’s IFE system, and reducing operational costs, a statement said.

 

Panasonic’s IFE upgrade program, which can be achieved on an aircraft during routine overnight maintenance, includes the installation of a new passenger entertainment server. 

 

This provides passengers with a wider range of content and helps to modernise the airline’s offering and keep up-to-date with the demands of changing consumer preferences. This also enables the airline to achieve faster media loading times – all without any increase in weight, and with dramatically improved reliability levels.

 

The first aircraft from Qatar Airways’ 777 fleet has completed its IFE upgrade this week.

 

This commitment from Qatar Airways marks the latest milestone in a longstanding partnership with Panasonic, which first started in 2000, the statement said.

 

Ken Sain, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation, said: “We are delighted to be deepening our longstanding partnership with Qatar Airways by upgrading a key element of their fleet with our latest generation of inflight entertainment solutions. We are confident this will enable them to deliver an enhanced passenger experience and benefit from a host of operational efficiencies.”

 

Qatar Airways Senior Vice President, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Salam Al Shawa, said: “With one of the youngest and most technologically-advanced fleet in the skies, Qatar Airways is known for its outstanding onboard experience, as well as a leader of innovation within the global aviation industry.”

 

“We are delighted to work with Panasonic to bring the next generation EcoFW HD screens to our award-winning Oryx One in-flight entertainment system, enabling our passengers to enjoy an enhanced journey on board our fleet as part of the airline’s exceptional five-star service.” - TradeArabia News Service