Panasonic Avionics unveils new aircraft-wide hosting solution

Converix can be installed by any aircraft manufacturer, on any airframe type. It supports all in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) integration, cabin and galley operations, lighting, and other in-cabin applications. Airlines will also be able to monitor aircraft data, improve crew operations, manage cabin inventories and optimise aircraft maintenance.

The platform enables responsible artificial intelligence (AI), which can interface with the 10,000 plus datapoints across an aircraft. It will leverage Large Language Models (LLMs) and Agentic AI to analyse multiple terabytes of both structured and unstructured data, and provide consumable and data-rich airline analytics such as daily CEO and executive reports to greatly improve operational efficiency.

An AI virtual attendant at every seat empowers passengers with a wide range of personalised services on their journey such as their connections and luggage tracking, status on their hotel or car reservation, destination services such as restaurants recommendations, and much more. Consumable and rich data services can also help airlines deliver more personalisation and targeted advertising, which can be up to ten times the value of current in-flight media. 

Ken Sain, chief executive officer, Panasonic Avionics, said: “For the past two years, Panasonic Avionics has been focused on two strategic initiatives – to redefine the passenger experience and to reimagine the airline ownership experience. 

“Converix builds on the success of our Astrova seat-end IFE solution, and is designed with the same commitment to innovation, industrial design, and modularity. It represents the latest solution from Panasonic Avionics that helps airlines maximise digital engagement, drive loyalty economics, and improve operational efficiencies.”  

As a neutral application hosting platform, Converix will give control of the onboard passenger experience directly to airlines. Its Developer Platform offers airlines and third parties a natural ecosystem of software tools, environments and simulators to create and host applications seamlessly.

Andy Masson, Senior Vice President of Product and Strategy for Panasonic Avionics, said: “Converix embraces the key tenants that drive our product strategy – design, technology, and sustainable modularity – to create a radical game-changing solution for the airline industry. 

“It transforms the airline ownership experience with a modular design that is both lighter and consumes less power. It improves operational efficiencies by eliminating the need for multiple server boxes running separate systems. It also gives passengers what they want – endless personalised content instantly at their fingertips.”