United Airlines announces plans to make a big change to its customers

The in-flight entertainment on United Airlines planes is about to look a lot different.

Beginning in 2025, the Chicago-based airline plans to install a new in-flight entertainment system called Astrova on select planes, a joint announcement from United and Panasonic Avionics said earlier this week. According to officials, United will be the first American customer of the “in-flight engagement” solution from Panasonic.

“Our customers tell us that they want to be engaged, entertained, and productive in the air,” United Airlines’ Managing Director of Identity, Product, and Loyalty Mark Muren said in the announcement. “Our new partnership with Panasonic Avionics will make that possible and enable us to set a new standard of in-flight excellence as a key part of United Next. Together United and Panasonic will drive new standards of engagement when customers come onboard a United aircraft.” According to a press release, Astrova’s in-flight entertainment system includes 4k OLED technology with sharper, clearer image quality, along with “cinema-grade colors, 3D audio and USB chargers at each seat meant to create a “fully immersive experience for passengers.”

The agreement between Astrova and United builds upon the airline’s previous agreement to install Panasonic Avation’s “X Series,” an upgraded entertainment system across several aircraft, the release adds. It is also part of a handful of retro and line-fit installations across United’s fleet, as well as United Next, a fleet of planes that are “enhancing the passenger experience” on aircraft flown in several domestic and international markets.

The United Next fleet, the release states, offers seatback entertainment screens at every seat, with different-sized screens throughout. For example, those sitting in the First Class cabin will have 13-inch monitors, while Economy passengers will have 10-inch monitors. United Next is also outfitted with larger overhead bin space, high-speed WiFi, USB outlets at every seat, Bluetooth audio connections for in-flight entertainment, and LED lighting throughout the cabin, the release goes on to say.

United Airlines Revolutionizes In-Flight Entertainment with Astrova

United Airlines is poised to transform the in-flight experience for its passengers with the introduction of a new entertainment system, Astrova, starting in 2025. This innovative move is part of United’s broader strategy, United Next, which aims to enhance passenger comfort and engagement across its fleet. The announcement, made in collaboration with Panasonic Avionics, marks United as the first American airline to adopt this cutting-edge technology.

Astrova: A New Era of In-Flight Engagement

Astrova, developed by Panasonic Avionics, promises to elevate the standard of in-flight entertainment with its state-of-the-art features. At the heart of Astrova is 4K OLED technology, renowned for its superior image clarity and vivid colors. This ensures that passengers enjoy a more immersive viewing experience, akin to cinema quality, right from their seats. Additionally, the system supports 3D audio, which offers a more enveloping sound experience, enhancing the overall ambiance of in-flight entertainment.

United Airlines’ Managing Director of Identity, Product, and Loyalty, Mark Muren, highlighted the importance of this new partnership. “Our customers tell us that they want to be engaged, entertained, and productive in the air,” Muren stated. “Our new partnership with Panasonic Avionics will make that possible and enable us to set a new standard of in-flight excellence as a key part of United Next.”

Enhanced Features for a Superior Passenger Experience

Astrova’s in-flight entertainment system is designed to cater to modern travelers’ needs. Each seat will come equipped with USB chargers, allowing passengers to keep their devices powered throughout the flight. This feature is particularly useful for long-haul flights, where maintaining device battery life is crucial for both entertainment and productivity.

The integration of USB chargers is just one aspect of United’s commitment to enhancing the passenger experience. The new system also includes seatback entertainment screens, a feature that is becoming increasingly popular among airlines as a way to provide personalized entertainment options for each passenger. In the First Class cabin, passengers will enjoy 13-inch monitors, while those in Economy will have 10-inch monitors. This differentiation ensures that all passengers have access to high-quality entertainment, regardless of their seating class.

Building on Previous Successes

The partnership with Panasonic Avionics and the introduction of Astrova builds upon United’s earlier efforts to upgrade its in-flight entertainment. The airline had previously agreed to install Panasonic Aviation’s “X Series” across several aircraft. This series was an upgrade over existing systems and aimed to provide a more robust and reliable entertainment solution for passengers. Astrova takes this a step further, offering even more advanced features and capabilities.

The integration of Astrova is part of a broader strategy to retrofit and line-fit installations across United’s fleet. This means that both new and existing aircraft will benefit from these enhancements, ensuring a consistent experience for passengers across all flights. The initiative is a significant component of United Next, a comprehensive program aimed at modernizing the airline’s fleet and improving the overall passenger experience.

United Next: Setting a New Standard

United Next represents a forward-thinking approach to airline travel, focusing on comfort, convenience, and engagement. In addition to the new in-flight entertainment system, United Next includes several other enhancements designed to make flying more enjoyable. For example, the program introduces larger overhead bin spaces, addressing a common pain point for many travelers. With more space for carry-on luggage, passengers can board and disembark more smoothly, reducing stress and wait times.

High-speed WiFi is another critical feature of United Next. As connectivity becomes increasingly important for travelers, United is ensuring that passengers can stay connected throughout their journey. This is particularly beneficial for business travelers who need to remain productive during flights, as well as for leisure travelers who want to stay in touch with family and friends or stream content during their trip.

USB outlets at every seat, combined with Bluetooth audio connections for in-flight entertainment, further enhance the convenience and functionality of the United Next fleet. These features ensure that passengers can use their own devices seamlessly with the in-flight entertainment system, providing a more personalized and flexible experience.

LED Lighting for a Modern Ambiance

Another noteworthy feature of the United Next fleet is the use of LED lighting throughout the cabin. This modern lighting solution not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the aircraft interior but also contributes to passenger comfort. LED lighting can be adjusted to create different moods and atmospheres, helping to reduce jet lag and improve the overall in-flight experience. For example, warmer lighting can be used during evening flights to create a relaxing environment, while brighter lighting can help passengers feel more awake and alert during daytime flights.
A Commitment to Excellence

United Airlines’ decision to partner with Panasonic Avionics and introduce the Astrova in-flight entertainment system is a clear indication of the airline’s commitment to setting new standards of excellence. By focusing on the needs and preferences of modern travelers, United is ensuring that it remains competitive in an increasingly crowded market. The enhancements introduced through United Next, including the advanced features of Astrova, larger overhead bins, high-speed WiFi, and modern LED lighting, collectively contribute to a superior in-flight experience.

As the first American airline to adopt Astrova, United Airlines is leading the way in in-flight entertainment innovation. Passengers can look forward to a more engaging, entertaining, and productive travel experience, setting a new benchmark for what can be expected from air travel. With these enhancements, United Airlines is not just meeting the expectations of today’s travelers but also anticipating their future needs, ensuring that it remains a preferred choice for passengers worldwide.