Dubai Airshow: Saudia and Panasonic sign for 35 aircraft IFE deal

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) and Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic) have announced a new 35-aircraft commitment for inflight entertainment across the carrier's short haul fleet.
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The carrier has selected Panasonic’s X Series entertainment solutions, specifically, the company’s eXO and eX1 systems, for installation on its various fleets.

Panasonic’s X Series inflight entertainment solutions feature HD monitors, capacitive touch handsets and in-seat power.

Saudia has also selected Panasonic’s eXO overhead entertainment system to be line-fit installed across 20 Airbus A320neos and 15 A321neos that the airline has on order.

This builds on the carrier’s previous commitment in April 2016 when it selected eXO for 30 Airbus A320neo aircraft. 

This news follows an earlier order from Saudia in which Panasonic will install its eX1 IFE system across the airline’s existing fleet of 7 A320 aircraft.

Hideo Nakano, chief executive officer for Panasonic Avionics, said: “We are delighted to be extending our relationship with Saudia with this exciting, new commitment across their short haul fleet. 

“With our proven track record in delivering innovative inflight entertainment solutions, we will help Saudi Arabian Airlines optimise their investment in next-generation aircraft with an unmatched experience for all their passengers.”

The director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines, his excellency eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser said: “Saudia’s fleet is undergoing a complete revitalisation programme, which includes an upgrade to the existing fleet in terms of the inflight entertainment offering and overall onboard experience.

“Once the new entertainment solutions by Panasonic are retrofitted on the existing A320 fleet, and new A320 aircraft are delivered, our guests will be able to maximise their time in the sky with a wide range of entertainment solutions to make their onboard journeys even more enjoyable.”

The Saudia fleet with A320-NEO/A321-NEO is expected to deliver in Q3 of 2019 and A320 aircraft with eX1 IFE System retrofit is expected to deliver in Q2 of 2018.