Panasonic Avionics NEXT IFE To Be Installed On Saudia | Inmarsat’s GX Aviation & OneFi Selected By Saudia | BlueBox & Global Onboard Partners | Boeing At Dubai Airshow | Thales Business Aviation News | Acropolis Aviation | Women In Aviation | Other News

PANASONIC

Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic) 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 787-10 aircraft – with 45 aircraft utilizing its technology.

More News From Panasonic:

Panasonic has been selected by Iraqi Airways to provide in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for its new fleet of 21 narrowbody and 10 widebody aircraft.

These aircraft, which includes 5 A220, 16 B737MAX and 10 B787 aircraft types, will be line-fitted with Panasonic’s X Series IFE solutions and are expected to enter service in October 2022.

Panasonic Avionics’ X Series offers elegant full HD seatback monitors, complete with capacitive touch displays and handsets, and an intuitive, personalized interface. Passengers will have access to USB and laptop charging power points at every seat as well. The X Series portfolio also includes eXW, which delivers a premium passenger experience to passengers’ personal devices. Each of these systems are designed to help drive ancillary revenue, foster higher levels of passenger loyalty, and increase passenger engagement.

The airline’s Boeing 737 MAX fleet, which will feature the company’s eX1 narrowbody IFE solution, also offers Panasonic Avionics’ in-flight Wi-Fi service. Its next-generation connectivity enables a host of connectivity benefits, from fast internet to video streaming, all powered by its new satellite modem featuring bandwidth up to twenty times greater than previously available.

Panasonic Avionics’ IFEC solutions are also being fitted to Iraqi Airways’ new fleet of five Airbus A220 aircraft, the first of which entered service last month. To meet the airline’s requirement of offering state-of-the-art wireless IFE streaming on its A220 fleet, Panasonic Avionics is installing its eXW solution, which delivers a wide range of content to passengers’ personal electronic devices, along with its in-flight Wi-Fi service.

For Iraqi Airways’ Boeing 787 aircraft, Panasonic Avionics is providing its industry-leading eX3 in-flight system and global high-speed connectivity services.

Ken Sain, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation, said, “We are delighted to have been chosen as Iraqi Airways’ partner for its new narrowbody and widebody fleet. Our proven blend of in-flight entertainment and connectivity solutions will enhance the passenger experience on their flights across the Middle East and beyond.”

Farazdaq Al-Qazaz, Configuration and EIS Program Manager, said, “Iraqi Airways celebrates its partnership with Panasonic Avionics on its new fleet, as it will provide passengers with entertainment services as well as add unique internet services, and it will be an enjoyable experience for passengers during their flights with Iraqi Airways.”

Panasonic & Emirates:

Panasonic Avionics has been selected by Emirates to deliver a suite of in-flight entertainment (IFE) solutions for its Premium Economy cabin being rolled out across its fleet.

Panasonic Avionics’ IFE systems are being integrated into the Premium Economy cabin being introduced on 105 of Emirates’ Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft, with the first due to enter service in the summer of 2022.

This follows the unveiling of Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin in December 2020, and its initial rollout to widespread acclaim on several of its newest A380 aircraft.

Emirates’ new Premium Economy cabins will feature a range of the latest IFE innovations from Panasonic Avionics. Elegantly designed 13-inch HD screens will be fitted at each seat, with integrated control buttons, ultra-wide viewing angles, LED backlighting and capacitive touch all creating a luxury feel for passengers when choosing from over 4,500 channels of entertainment on Emirates’ ice system powered by Panasonic Avionics.

Passengers can connect their own headphones to the IFE system via Bluetooth, experience its 3D gaming options, use the screen’s high-power USB type A and C chargers, and use AC sockets at each seat to power their laptops.

At the Dubai Air Show, Emirates announced that its new Premium Economy cabin would be fitted on 52 A380s, and 53 Boeing 777s in its fleet.

INMARSAT & SAUDI ARABIA

Inmarsat has announced that the national airline of Saudia Arabia, SAUDIA, has selected Inmarsat’s award-winning GX Aviation connectivity solution and OneFi passenger experience platform for its upcoming fleet.

GX Aviation and OneFi will be available on SAUDIA’s upcoming fleet of 35 Airbus A321neo and Airbus A321XLR aircraft, with the aircraft connected to the advanced connectivity service using a new ultra-high performance terminal by GDC Technics. The first installation of GX Aviation is expected in late 2022.

This selection marks a significant number of firsts for aviation, including:

• The launch of GX Aviation in Saudi Arabia
• The first major inflight connectivity agreement in the Middle East since the Covid-19 pandemic
• SAUDIA has become the first in the Middle East to select Inmarsat’s revolutionary new OneFi customer experience platform (CXP)
• SAUDIA is the first in the world to select the next-generation terminal for GX Aviation, developed with GDC Technics.

It comes at a critical time for airlines, with the global pandemic having accelerated passenger demand for digital inflight experiences. In fact, Inmarsat’s 2021 Passenger Confidence Tracker, found that 41% of air passengers worldwide believed inflight Wi-Fi had further increased in importance after the pandemic.

BLUEBOX & GLOBAL ONBOARD PARTNERS

BOEING

Boeing to Open Three New Freighter Conversion Lines; Takes Order for Eleven 737-800BCF

• New conversion lines to open at KF Aerospace in Canada and at Boeing’s London Gatwick MRO in the United Kingdom
• Icelease orders eleven 737-800BCF; will be launch customer for new conversion line at London Gatwick MRO facility
• 737-800BCF now has more than 200 orders and commitments from 19 customers

As global demand for freighters continues to soar, Boeing  announced plans to add three conversion lines for the market-leading 737-800BCF across North America and Europe. The company also signed a firm order with Icelease for eleven of the freighters as the launch customer for one of the new conversion lines.

In 2022, the company will open one conversion line at Boeing’s London Gatwick Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facility, its state-of-the-art hangar in the United Kingdom; and two conversion lines in 2023 at KF Aerospace MRO in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.

For Icelease, which recently expanded its cooperation with Corrum Capital through a joint venture called Carolus Cargo Leasing, the order for eleven 737-800BCF will be their first converted freighter order with Boeing. The lessor will be the launch customer for conversions at Boeing’s London Gatwick MRO facility.

Earlier this year, Boeing announced it would create additional 737-800BCF conversion capacity at several sites, including a third conversion line at Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company Limited (GAMECO), and two conversion lines in 2022 with a new supplier, Cooperativa Autogestionaria de Servicios Aeroindustriales (COOPESA) in Costa Rica. Once the new lines become active, Boeing will have conversion sites in North America, Asia and Europe.

Boeing forecasts 1,720 freighter conversions will be needed over the next 20 years to meet demand. Of those, 1,200 will be standard-body conversions, with nearly 20% of that demand coming from European carriers, and 30% coming from North America and Latin America.

DHL

• DHL places its largest Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) order for nine 767-300BCF
• The expanded 767-300BCF fleet will strengthen DHL’s response to the continued growing demand for express cargo driven by e-commerce

DHL Express (DHL) and Boeing announced that the logistics company placed a firm order for nine more 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCF). Representing their largest single 767-300BCF order to date, the additional freighters will help expand DHL’s long-haul intercontinental fleet in response to increased global demand for cargo capacity. DHL has taken delivery of seven of a batch of eight 767-300BCF, that have been leased to DHL partner airlines in the Middle East and Latin America to support its expanding regional networks.The 767-300BCF is the world’s most efficient medium widebody converted freighter and can carry up to 51.6 tonnes (113,900 pounds) up to 6,190 kilometers (3,345 nautical miles). 767 Freighters provide the lowest operating costs per trip with excellent payload and range capability. The 767-300BCF has more than 100 orders and commitments to date

VSMPO-AVISMA

Boeing and Russian titanium producer VSMPO-AVISMA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) affirming that VSMPO-AVISMA will remain the largest titanium supplier for current and future Boeing commercial airplanes. Under the MOU signed by company leaders at the Dubai Airshow, Boeing and VSMPO-AVISMA will work together to:

• Increase utilization of their Russia-based Ural Boeing Manufacturing (UBM) joint venture;
• Increase R&D investment and continue to develop new titanium alloys and technologies;
• Explore new opportunities to expand VSMPO-AVISMA’s role producing titanium parts and components beyond raw material or forging, for current and future Boeing commercial airplanes.

EMIRATES

Boeing and Emirates announced an order for two 777 Freighters at the 2021 Dubai Airshow, expanding the future capability of one of the world’s largest cargo airlines at a time of significant global demand for air freight. The freighters will be operated by Emirates SkyCargo, which currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of 10 777 Freighters and also carries cargo on Emirates’ 134 777 passenger airplanes. Valued at more than $704 million at list prices, the orders were previously attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website.

Boeing’s 2021 Commercial Market Outlook forecasts increased demand for dedicated freighters, including new and converted models. By 2040, the global freighter fleet will be 70% larger compared with the pre-pandemic fleet, with the Middle East freighter fleet growing by 87%.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS

• Industry-first strategic partnership focused on Etihad’s 787 Dreamliner fleet
• Building on collaboration to improve sustainability through navigation, flight operations and airframe technologies

Boeing and Etihad Airways announced they will expand the companies’ deep collaboration towards environmental goals. Centered on the airline’s 787 Dreamliner fleet, the new memorandum of understanding (MOU) furthers Boeing and Etihad’s mutual commitment – initially set through a 2019 sustainability partnership – to develop sustainable flight operations across Etihad’s global network.

The new agreement will focus on enhancing the efficiency of navigation and flight operations, airframe technologies and sustainable practices to reduce Etihad’s fuel use and emissions. In addition, company leaders said their partnership provides an opportunity to validate concepts that could be scaled up to benefit the broader aviation industry.

 SAUDIA

• SAUDIA selected Boeing’s advanced digital analytics tools to improve maintenance operations and on-time performance of their 787 Dreamliner and 777 fleets
• Boeing will also provide interior modification services for SAUDIA’s 777 fleet

SAUDIA selected Boeing for a suite of services to improve their 787 Dreamliner and 777 fleets’ operational efficiency through digital analytics, and to modify their 777 cabin interiors.

 AIR TANZANIA

• Order for 787 Dreamliner, 767 Freighter and two 737 MAX airplanes
• Passenger and freighter models will boost airline’s capability in Africa and beyond.

Boeing and the United Republic of Tanzania announced an order for a 787-8 Dreamliner, a 767-300 Freighter and two 737 MAX jets at the 2021 Dubai Airshow. The order, valued at more than $726 million at list prices, was previously unidentified on the Boeing Orders and Deliveries website.

Boeing’s 2021 Commercial Market Outlook forecasts that, by 2040, Africa’s airlines will require 1,030 new airplanes valued at $160 billion and aftermarket services such as manufacturing and repair worth $235 billion, supporting growth in air travel and economies across the continent.

AKASA AIRLINES

Akasa Air Orders 72 Fuel-Efficient 737 MAX Airplanes to Launch Service in Fast-Growing Indian Market

• New Indian carrier’s order valued at nearly $9 billion, includes 737-8 and high-capacity 737-8-200

Boeing and Akasa Air, a brand of SNV Aviation, announced the new Indian carrier has ordered (72) 737 MAX airplanes to build its fleet. Valued at nearly $9 billion at list prices, the order is a key endorsement of the 737 family’s capability to serve the rapidly growing Indian market.

Akasa Air’s order includes two variants from the 737 MAX family, the 737-8 and the high-capacity 737-8-200. Providing the lowest seat-mile costs for a single-aisle airplane as well as high dispatch reliability and an enhanced passenger experience, the 737 MAX will ensure Akasa Air has a competitive edge in its dynamic home market.

THALES

Thales announces that it will supply flight control computers for the newest Gulfstream business jet aircraft, the Gulfstream G400 and Gulfstream G800. All Gulfstream’s large cabin business jet aircraft are equipped with Thales Fly-By-Wire solutions. Thales pioneered the development and certification of Fly-by-Wire (FBW) technology on modern commercial aircraft in 1983. Today, it remains at the forefront of FBW technology, supplying the most advanced flight control electronics in over 10,000 aircraft worldwide.

ACROPOLIS AVIATION

Acropolis Aviation was the launch customer for Airbus’ new ACJneo single-aisle family in May 2015, during EBACE in Geneva. This week’s 2021 Dubai Air Show will see G-KELT make its first public appearance on the static at the Dubai World Central (DWC) Airport venue – for Airbus Corporate Jets.

The aircraft entered service in March 2020, sporting a distinctive, luxurious cabin design by Yves Pickardt from Alberto Pinto and installed by leading completion specialist AMAC Aerospace at its Basel Airport facilities in Switzerland. “We are absolutely delighted Airbus Corporate Jets is showcasing our aircraft at the Dubai Air Show”, commented Acropolis’ CEO Jonathan Bousfield. “We are very much looking forward to presenting the aircraft to our Middle Eastern clientele for the first time.”

G-KELT can accommodate up to 19 passengers, sleeping 17 on fully lie-flat beds, with luggage space for over 100 pieces of baggage and the support of a crew of six. The aircraft is also certified for extended-range flights of up to 12 hours and low visibility ‘CAT 3A’ landing minima in severe weather conditions. Flight entertainment and onboard connectivity is via Collins Aerospace and Satcom Direct.

WOMEN IN AVIATION

Women in Aviation International (WAI) is proud to announce the awarding of a $1 million grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to strengthen the organization’s initiatives encouraging youth to pursue STEM futures through media platforms, industry partner coalitions, and cultivation of female aviation champions.

OTHER NEWS

• I have often wondered about the black painting on an aircrafts nose? Why do airlines PAINT the nose BLACK? Explained by CAPTAIN JOE – YouTube
• And here is a link to the United States 2021 Aviation climate action.