Fly with Your Headphones: Icelandair’s New Panasonic IFE System

In December, Icelandair made a big leap by being the first airline to introduce Panasonic’s latest in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, Astrova, on their Airbus A321LR. The new system is a game-changer, allowing you to connect your own wireless headphones and enjoy high-quality entertainment. Tómas Ingason, Icelandair's Chief Operating Officer, was excited about this new addition, saying it would enhance their passengers' travel experience. The Airbus A321LR features 187 seats, with 165 in economy and 22 in business class. Both classes are equipped with new Panasonic screens—16 inches in business and 13 inches in economy. These screens are thin and provide crystal-clear streaming, adding a modern touch to the aircraft. Andrew Masson, Panasonic’s Vice-President of Product Management, highlighted that the system's design is top-notch, comparable to luxury items like yachts and Rolls Royces. Astrova offers several standout features: 4K OLED HDR10+ displays, wireless connectivity, spatial audio, and programmable LED lighting. One of the best parts is the ability to connect your own headphones via Bluetooth. No more using low-quality airline headsets! Masson himself used his Beats headphones on a flight and found the experience fantastic, with perfect syncing and 3D surround sound. The system is also lightweight and sustainable. It’s built with recyclable materials and can be upgraded over time, so airlines don’t have to keep buying new systems. Masson noted that as technology evolves, passengers want more personalized experiences, and this upgradable system can keep up with those demands. Some airlines may choose to integrate a new payment system into the IFE, which can drive additional revenue and enhance passenger satisfaction. Icelandair, however, has opted out of this feature.