Riyadh Air taps Panasonic Avionics to provide in-flight entertainment maintenance on its 787 Dreamliner fleet
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - Panasonic Avionics in Irvine, Calif., has signed a 10-year agreement with Riyadh Air in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to provide in-flight entertainment (IFE) maintenance support for the airline’s fleet of 39 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
As part of the agreement, Panasonic Technical Services (PTS) will establish a line maintenance station in Riyadh staffed with Dreamliner system specialists. The deal includes PTS’ Total Care Package, which covers maintenance, on-site technical support, spare parts, and repair services.
"Our Total Care Package will provide proactive, comprehensive support, minimizing downtime and ensuring exceptional operational performance,” said Tom Eskola, vice president of Panasonic Technical Services.
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Riyadh Air, set to begin passenger flights in late 2025, previously selected Panasonic’s Astrova IFE system for its Boeing 787-9 fleet. “Ensuring a premium passenger experience is our priority,” said Riyadh Air COO Peter Belew.
The system features 4K OLED displays, which provide high-resolution visuals with accurate colors and contrast. It also supports high-fidelity audio with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing passengers to use wireless headphones.
Astrova offers personalized entertainment with artificial intelligence (AI)-driven content recommendations. It includes USB-C fast charging, enabling passengers to charge devices such as laptops and tablets. The system also supports cloud-based content updates, allowing airlines to refresh entertainment selections remotely.
Astrova is designed with lightweight materials and energy-efficient components to help reduce fuel consumption. It integrates with Wi-Fi and satellite internet, providing passengers with real-time content updates and connectivity.
