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Emirate’s newest Boeing 777-300ER fleet is set to be fitted with a range of what Panasonic Avionics Corp. called “industry firsts.” These technologies were unveiled, and are on display, at the Dubai Airshow, occurring now and ending Thursday.
Panasonic Avionics unveiled a new facility in Dubai this year. It provides software development and test, media integration, harness manufacturing, repair and overhaul, and real-time fleet monitoring services for customers.
First class is to receive a range of technologies that align with Emirates’ own cabin solutions. According to Panasonic Avionics, these include:
- A next generation mode controller, developed in the form of a slim tablet, acts as a second screen for seat and cabin environment control. It can also be used to navigate ice, Emirates’ in-flight entertainment system. It features a 13-inch capacitive touch screen offering Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a high definition camera, microphone and a speaker.
- Wireless handset control that fits in the palm of a passenger’s hand. It provides control of the ice entertainment system. The handset offers a full set of buttons like interactive navigation, channel, volume, flight attendant call, light, TV on/off, menu and sleep.
- Room Service Video Call enables passengers to communicate in real time with the cabin crew using video chat functionality from mode controller.
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Business Class is also getting enhancements, Panasonic Avionics said. It’s getting new 23-inch smart monitors, which is the largest monitor size in business class across the Emirates fleet. Business Class is also receiving enhancements that First Class is receiving, too:
- New high power single USB Type-C charging jack in addition to the existing high charge USB Type-A charging.
- New HD-premium seat box that supports two high power charging remote jack units and noise cancelling audio jacks. Graphic performance is apparently almost 20% higher compared to other in-flight entertainment system types.
- New slim seat power module that provides high power DC voltage for USB charging with reduced weight and a thinner profile.
Economy Class is also getting a makeover. Panasonic said new solutions offer the airline a 35% reduction in weight:
- New “Super Eco” economy monitors that feature ultra-wide viewing angles, a capacitive touch screen, LED backlight and full HD display. Monitors will include high-power USB Type A and Type C, Bluetooth technology, a high-resolution camera, 3-D multiplayer gaming and integrated audio connector. The monitor’s design is 35% lighter.
- New dual high power charging ports that can support Type-C.
- New slim seat electronic boxes that should reduce weight by 22%.
- New slim seat power module intended to provide power for up to four seats of in-seat in-flight entertainment connectivity equipment and peripherals. This also features reduced weight. A new, proprietary power distribution solution provides a high-charge USB charge port at every seat for passenger devices. Panasonic Avionics said this is a “first” for the industry.
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“Panasonic and Emirates have worked together for over 20 years to provide best in class experiences for their passengers,” said Hideo Nakano, CEO of Panasonic Avionics Corp. “Emirates challenged us two years ago to take another huge step forward with the ice experience in all classes of service, while reducing weight by 12%. Together, we did it.”