4K OLED displays take off in airline cabins

Ultra-high definition at high altitude is becoming a reality with the first 4K OLED in-flight systems, starting with Icelandair and later United Airlines, Qantas, Qatar and Egyptair. - "The larger screens will be available to airlines in five sizes: 19, 22, 27, 32, and 42 inches, boosting the appeal of Astrova for the widebody aircraft market. Each of the new monitors will be 4K OLED, enabling Panasonic Avionics to offer airlines the highest definition and image quality in the skies in every aircraft cabin," announced Panasonic Avionics last year. This complements the company's previously announced 13, 16, and 22-inch OLED displays.

The Astrova 4K OLED displays. Photo: Panasonic Avionics

Known as 'Astrova,' Panasonic's 4K OLED in-flight systems also support HDR10 and HDR10+, multi-channel spatial audio, up to 100W fast-charging USB-C, Bluetooth headphone connectivity, and a modular architecture that allows airline operators to upgrade them over time. This marks the first time that viewers can enjoy true 4K HDR picture quality aboard airplanes.

Starting later this year

It was confirmed that Icelandair will be the first company to install the Astrova 4K OLED systems starting in Q4 2024. Icelandair will install 16-inch OLED monitors in Business Class and 13-inch displays in Economy. Later, Qantas will install them in its newly Airbus A350-1000 aircraft and retrofitted A330-200 fleet.

Example of an Astrova 4K OLED in an airplane. Photo: Panasonic Avionics

United Airlines plans to install Panasonic's Astrova on select new Boeing 787 and Airbus A321XLR aircraft beginning in 2025. Egyptair will fit its A350 Business Class cabins with 19-inch 4K OLED monitors, while 12-inch LCD monitors will be installed in Economy. No timeline was provided. Saudi Arabian Airlines and Qatar Airways have also announced plans. Qatar will install Panasonic's 22-inch OLED screens in Business Class and 13-inch screens in Economy.