Airlines

United Airlines Picks Panasonic Astrova IFE For Boeing 787 & A321XLR

United Airlines will be the launch customer in the Americas for the new Astrova in-flight engagement (IFE) solution from Panasonic Avionics Corporation.

Beginning in 2025, United intends to put Astrova on a few new Boeing 787 and Airbus A321XLR airplanes. This agreement builds upon the airline’s previous commitment in 2021 to install Panasonic Avionics’ X Series and NEXT IFE systems on both widebody and narrowbody aircraft.

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Collectively, these agreements cover both line-fit and retrofit installations across United’s fleet and are part of United Next, which is enhancing the passenger experience on narrowbody aircraft flown in domestic and short-haul international markets. The United Next program includes seatback entertainment screens at every seat — first class has 13-inch monitors, while the economy has 10-inch monitors, larger overhead bins, high-speed Wi-Fi, USB outlets at every seat, Bluetooth audio connections for in-flight entertainment, and LED lighting throughout the cabin.

Introducing the Widest Economy Class Seats, with the Widest IFE Screens Ever!(Opens in a new browser tab)

The first IFE product to offer 4K OLED technology is Astrova. Perfect black and cinema-grade colors are delivered by the image quality, which is sharper, clearer, and has an infinite contrast ratio. With the help of Panasonic Avionics’ most recent Bluetooth technology, it also gives passengers a fully immersive experience. Together, these features produce the best in-flight entertainment (IFE) available, superior in the industry.

Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.