Panasonic Avionics and Emirates announce new technology firsts

Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) provider, and Emirates have unveiled industry firsts that will be introduced on the airline's newest Boeing 777-300ER aircraft at the Dubai Airshow.

Source: Emirates. Image of a plane in Emirates livery - which appears to have one wing - released with the Dubai Airshow announcement of a US$ 15.1 billion commitment for 40 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners.

The developments are the culmination of a more than 20-year partnership between Emirates and Panasonic to deliver an unmatched inflight entertainment experience. Emirates' passengers will first experience the benefits of these solutions across all classes on the airline's newest Boeing 777-300ER fleet. These cabins will feature a refreshed look complemented with the latest in IFEC technology.

Advancements in IFEC technology, such as faster processing power, enable an improved seat-back display and a more responsive IFEC system. In addition, passenger convenience is enhanced by fast charging capability and a new First Class room service feature.

In First Class, new Panasonic technologies will complement Emirates' own cabin innovations:

- A next generation mode controller – developed in the form of a slim tablet, this acts as a second screen for seat and cabin environment control and to navigate ice, Emirates' inflight entertainment system. It features a larger, slim 13" capacitive touchscreen offering Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a high definition camera, microphone and a speaker.

- Wireless handset control – inspired by a pebble with smooth curves, this wireless handset fits naturally in the palm of a passenger's hand. It provides untethered control of the ice entertainment system reminiscent of a home TV experience. The handset offers a full set of buttons like interactive navigation, channel, volume, flight attendant call, light, TV on/off, menu and sleep. The sleep button is offers a single-press sleep mode with full functionality to the suite restored with another single press.

- Room service video call – this new feature enables passengers to communicate in real time with the cabin crew using video chat functionality from the new mode controller. Passengers will be able to place requests at their convenience via voice and video, and will also enjoy complete privacy with the device's Do Not Disturb mode settings.

Business Class passengers will also enjoy a 23" smart monitor. This Full HD Smart Monitor is the largest monitor size in business class across the Emirates fleet. It includes HDMI ports and capacitive touchscreen capabilities.

In both First Class and Business Class, the following enhancements are included:

- High-power single USB Type-C charging jack – the jack addresses the new standard for phone charging and is designed to provide passengers with access to high power charging as well as data. This is in addition to the existing high-charge USB Type-A charging.

- HD-Premium seat box – this performance upgrade supports two high-power charging remote jack units and noise cancelling audio jacks. These premium HD seat boxes have an almost 20% higher graphic performance compared to other IFE system types.

- Slim seat power module – provides high-power DC voltage for USB charging with reduced weight and a thinner profile.

In Economy Class, a series of new innovations offer Emirates a 35% reduction in weight:

- 'Super Eco' economy monitors – the new monitors in Economy Class have high-end, integrated physical control buttons. With ultrawide viewing angles, a capacitive touch screen, LED backlight and Full HD display, they deliver superior clear, crisp image quality. These new smart monitors will include high-power USB Type A and Type C, Bluetooth technology, a high-resolution camera, 3D multiplayer gaming and integrated audio connector. All of this new technology has been integrated into a slimmer, smaller monitor that features a 35% lighter design.

- Dual high-power charging ports – these cater both current and new standards for phone charging and will provide passengers with access to quick data and high-power charging via USB Type C charging ports. The traditional Type A ports will also be supported.

Source: Emirates. An Emirates B777-300 ER aircraft.

- New seat electronics – the slim, lightweight devices are designed to provide maximum performance and passenger device power with zero impact on passenger living space. Weight is cut by 22%.

- Seat power module – this power source is intended to provide power for up to four seats of in-seat IFEC equipment and peripherals, with a lightweight and thinner profile unit that reduces weight. A new, proprietary power distribution solution provides, for the first time, a high-charge USB charge port at every seat for passenger devices, eliminating the need to share power with neighbours.

Hideo Nakano, CEO, Panasonic Avionics said, "Panasonic and Emirates have worked together for over 20 years to provide best in class experiences for their passengers. Emirates challenged us two years ago to take another huge step forward with the ice experience in all classes of service, while reducing weight by 12%. Together, we did it."