One of the more interesting forms of IFE when there is nothing of interest on the system (apart from the sky), is the onboard map – a technology that has been innovating in the background for some time. As part of the refresh of its internals, Finnair is upgrading the maps used aboard its aircraft to use Panasonic Avionics “ARC” Map system.
ARC is an immersive map solution. It will be deployed through Panasonic Avionics’ eX3 in-flight entertainment (IFE) system which is installed on the Finnair Fleet. ARC will be further enhanced by Panasonic Avionics’ high-speed connectivity services, which are also installed across Finnair’s long haul fleet.
Finnair is the launch customer for Arc in Europe. It 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.
ARC 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. It will be available to all passengers on the aircraft, via the IFE system 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.
For Finnair, it will allow them to understand the use of their maps, with possible further integrations to other systems (eg sales, information, etc) at later points. Content can be delivered to individual aircraft to give a fresh experience that can increase efficiency and passenger engagement.
In Quotes
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.”
Harri Valkama, Digital Channel Lead at Finnair, says:
“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. “
ARC deployments continue apace
We looked at ARC during its launch at AIX 2019 where it showed a off the product initially.
Since then, it has had confirmed orders from over 20 airlines and has been deployed on over 300 aircraft.
For passengers, a map can be many things – be it tracking where you are, finding out the world around you – or just something to look at between films and tv shows.
It will be interesting how deployment goes and what features Finnair choose to deploy with.
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