Saudia selects Panasonic X Series IFE for 43 aircraft

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) and Panasonic Avionics (Panasonic) have announced an IFE deal for the carrier’s short- and long-haul fleets – a 43-aircraft commitment. Saudia has selected X Series systems, specifically the eX3, eXO and eX1 systems.

Panasonic’s eX3 system will be line-fit installed on eight Boeing 787-10s that it has on order. Business class passengers will enjoy HD monitors with a video touch handset, while economy passengers will have individual seatback HD screens.

The eXO overhead system will be line-fit installed across 20 Airbus A320neos and 15 A321neos that the airline has on order. This builds on the carrier’s previous commitment in April 2016 when it selected eXO for 30 Airbus A320neo aircraft.

This news follows an earlier order from Saudia that will see Panasonic install its eX1 IFE system across the airline’s existing fleet of seven A320s.

Director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines, His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser said, “Saudia’s fleet is undergoing a complete revitalization program, which includes an upgrade to the existing fleet in terms of the inflight entertainment offering and overall onboard experience.

“Once the new entertainment solutions by Panasonic are retrofitted on the existing A320 fleet, and new A320 aircraft are delivered, our guests onboard will be able to maximize their time in the sky with a wide range of entertainment solutions to make their onboard journeys even more enjoyable.”

The first Boeing 787-10 is expected to be delivered to Saudia in Q3 2019. The fleet of A320 NEO/A321 NEO is also expected to be delivered in Q3 2019, and the A320 aircraft with eX1 IFE System retrofits is expected to be delivered in Q2 2018.