Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Panasonic Avionics have extended their agreement to include custom-tailored in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions across the airline’s entire Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350-900 ultra-long-range fleets.
SIA is the launch customer on both aircraft types for Panasonic’s eX3 IFEC system.
Under the extended agreement, announced at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, SIA’s KrisWorld IFE system will include the capability to provide broadband Internet services to passengers’ own devices and the seatback screen, as well as mobile telephone services.
In addition, SIA last month announced the introduction of a new companion app to enable passengers to control their own IFE experience. The app, which was developed for the airline by MTT in conjunction with Panasonic, allows passengers to review the IFE content available on their flight and create pre-selected favourites lists, as well as to control the seatback IFE, through their own mobile devices. To do so, passengers must install the SingaporeAir tablet application on their device prior to departure.
The app is available now on iOS and Android tablets, with availability on iOS and Android mobile phones set to follow during the second quarter of this year.
Panasonic believes that when integrated with the KrisWorld system, the companion app “delivers unrivalled opportunities around passenger engagement and value delivery”.
“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Singapore Airlines to their new medium-haul and ultra-long-haul aircraft,” says Panasonic Avionics chief executive Paul Margis. “Together, we have continually pushed the envelope to discover new ways to engage passengers and to leverage the benefits of the connected aircraft. We look forward to working with Singapore Airlines for many years to come.”
eX3 is Panasonic’s most advanced IFEC system. When used in conjunction with the company’s Global Communication Services it offers over a terabyte of entertainment options, including movies and television shows.
Get all the latest news and analysis from Aircraft Interiors here
Source: Flight Daily News
