United Airlines announces new plans for in-flight entertainment – NBC Chicago

Entertainment on board United Airlines planes will be very different.

Starting in 2025, the Chicago-based airline plans to install a new in-flight entertainment system called Astrova on select aircraft, United and Panasonic Avionics announced earlier this week.

According to officials, United will be the first US customer for this Panasonic solution.

“Our customers tell us they want to engage, enjoy and be productive in the air,” Mark Morin, United Airlines’ general manager of identity, products and loyalty, said in the announcement. “Our new partnership with Panasonic Avionics will make this possible and allow us to set a new standard of excellence on board as an essential part of United Next. Together, United and Panasonic will set new standards for engagement when customers board a United plane.”

According to a press release, Astrova’s in-flight entertainment system includes 4K OLED technology with sharper, clearer picture quality, along with “cinema-quality color, 3D sound, and USB chargers in every seat with the goal of creating a ‘cool’ experience that completely envelops passengers.”

The statement added that the agreement between Astrova and United comes within the framework of the airline’s previous agreement to install the “X-Series” system from Panasonic Aviation, which is an improved entertainment system, on many aircraft. It’s also part of a portfolio of legacy and linear facilities across United’s fleet, as well as United Next, a fleet of aircraft that “enhance the passenger experience” on aircraft flying in various domestic and international markets.

The United Next fleet provides, according to the statement, entertainment screens on the back of each seat, with screens of different sizes. For example, first class passengers will have 13-inch screens, while tourist passengers will have 10-inch screens. United Next is also equipped with more space in overhead cabins, high-speed WiFi, USB sockets in all seats, Bluetooth audio connections for in-flight entertainment, and LED lighting throughout the cabin, the statement continues.