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.

Air Canada is adding more international routes as travel demand picks up(Opens in a new browser tab)

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

A Costly Mistake: Passenger Pays for Fuel After Disruptive Flight

A Western Australian man has learned a costly lesson after his unruly behavior on a flight resulted in the aircraft having to turn back. The passenger was ordered to pay over $5,000 in fuel costs, along with a significant fine, for causing the plane to divert.

The incident occurred in September 2023 when the man, who was not publicly named, became disruptive on a flight from Perth to Sydney. Due to his behavior, the pilot was forced to turn the plane around and return to Perth, which required dumping fuel to land safely.

The passenger pleaded guilty to charges of disorderly behavior and non-compliance with safety instructions. As a result, he was ordered to pay $8,630 to the airline to cover the cost of the wasted fuel and was also fined $6,055. This combined penalty of over $11,000 is a stark reminder of the severe consequences of disruptive behavior on flights.

While this is not a typical punishment, other cases of in-flight misconduct have resulted in hefty fines. One passenger in the United States was fined over $40,000 for a series of offenses, including bringing their own alcohol on board, being intoxicated, attempting to smoke marijuana, and sexually assaulting a flight attendant.

The Australian Federal Police emphasized that disruptive behavior on flights will not be tolerated. They warned that individuals who cause disturbances can face significant financial penalties and legal consequences. The case of the Western Australian passenger serves as a clear message that obeying airline staff and adhering to safety regulations is essential for a smooth and safe flight.