United Airlines Introducing 4K Displays and Bluetooth Connectivity on Aircrafts

Panasonic Avionics and United Airlines have reached an agreement that could enhance the flying experience for economy passengers. While it won’t increase seat size or legroom, it will provide a distraction with a larger and clearer in-flight entertainment display, as well as Bluetooth connectivity. United Airlines plans to install nearly 300,000 units of Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova IFE screens on specific new Boeing 787 and Airbus A321XLR planes.

They are backrest displays that use 4K OLED technology, which promises sharper image quality and a better contrast ratio than many other IFE systems. The company says Astrova can also provide high-quality 3D surround sound using its latest Bluetooth technology. Yep, you no longer need to use wired headphones or bring Bluetooth adapters just to use your wireless headphones. Astrova also comes with USB-C ports that can charge phones and tablets with 100 watts of direct current.

As Aviation Week notes, Boeing 787s and Airbus A321XLRs are part of United’s international fleet, but the airline is also said to be equipping domestic aircraft with Astrova IFE systems. The screens will be installed as part of the United Next program, which aims to place a backrest screen at every seat. United plans to offer first-class passengers access to 13-inch screens and economy passengers with 10-inch IFE screens.

The companies said in the announcement that their agreement will allow United to upgrade the Astrova displays in the coming years. The IFE system uses a modular architecture with a removable sidebar that makes it easy to add new technologies and upgrade its Bluetooth or charging stations. However, the upgrade won’t happen anytime soon – the airline is not scheduled to start installing in-flight entertainment systems until 2025.