Using Arc, passengers will now be able to choose from over 20 distinct map views in full HD for various phases of flight.
Finnair has selected Panasonic Avionics Corporation’s Arc map platform to enhance the passenger experience onboard its long-haul fleet. This captivating and immersive map solution will be available through Panasonic Avionics’ eX3 in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. It will be further enhanced by Panasonic Avionics’ high-speed connectivity services, which are also installed across Finnair’s long-haul fleet. With the unveiling of its new long-haul cabins, Finnair is the launch customer for Arc in Europe.
Arc will be installed on the airline’s 19 Airbus A350-900 and eight A330-300 aircraft, with the first having entered service on February 10th. It brings a wide range of innovations to the traditional in-flight map application while expanding the concept into a fully integrated experience within the IFE and connectivity system – which is already provided by Panasonic Avionics.
Andrew Mohr, Vice President of Digital Solutions for Panasonic Avionics Corporation, said, “The moving map is an integral part of the passenger experience and Arc takes this to a whole new dimension. As the European launch customer, Finnair, with its well-deserved reputation for innovation, will be setting the standard for the in-flight map experience across this important region.”
Arc will be available to all passengers, in all cabin classes using Panasonic Avionics eX3 product and visible on overhead monitors and seatback screens.
Using Arc, passengers will now be able to choose from over 20 distinct map views in full HD for various phases of flight, incorporating everything from stunning 3D satellite imagery, local and global views, down to a personalized feature that enables passengers to see the aircraft’s relative position to their selected map location throughout their flight.
Arc is inspired by the latest design thinking of contemporary digital and gaming experiences and enables airlines to leverage the high viewership of in-flight moving maps. Arc is designed so that new content can soon be efficiently pushed to individual aircraft via its own global connectivity services, ensuring a unique, fresh passenger experience that also maximizes operational efficiency and passenger engagement.
Harri Valkama, Digital Channel Lead at Finnair said, “Finnair is striving to create a unique, differentiated IFE user experience and we are excited to take the 3D map experience to the next level with Panasonic Avionics, going beyond offering a traditional third-party off-the-shelf app. We found it very valuable to actively participate and influence the development of the Panasonic Arc map based on the feedback received from our customers. The map will be an integral part of the Finnair IFE user interface and we see big potential in the possibilities enabled by open APIs. In the future, Arc Studio will enable us to easily make changes to the Arc map and influence how the map is shown to our customers.”
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Since its debut, Arc has experienced one of the highest adoption rates of any Panasonic Avionics service, with confirmed orders from over 20 airlines on over 300 aircraft, highlighting the success of Panasonic Avionics’ commitment to leading the digital evolution of the passenger experience.
