Indian full-service carrier, Vistara is to launch Panasonic Avionics’ new, state-of-the-art, 3D in-flight map application, Arc.
Installed initially on Vistara’s Boeing 787-9, the map platform will be progressively made available on the airline’s brand new A321neo aircraft as well.
According to Panasonic, 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.
Available in all cabins via overhead monitors, seatback screens, video handsets as well as on passengers’ mobile devices connected to the in-flight Wi-Fi, passengers will now be able to choose from over 20 distinct map views in 4K for various phases of flight, incorporating 3D satellite imagery, local and global views, and a personalised feature that enables passengers to see the aircraft’s relative position to their selected map location throughout their flight.
Features such as the Kids Map and street map views will be introduced in a subsequent release.
Vinod Kannan, Chief Commercial Officer, Vistara commented: “In-flight entertainment plays an extremely important role in the overall experience of flying with an airline, especially on a long flight. Our partnership with Panasonic has helped us in bringing state-of-the-art IFE systems and satellite connectivity to our customers. Arc, with trailblazing capabilities, will not only help us keep our customers engaged on their flights, but also open up a whole new medium for us to interact with them. We are delighted to make this cutting-edge application a part of the award-winning Vistara experience in our continuous effort to maximise customer delight.”
Vistara was announced as the platform’s launch customer in 2019, with installation expected in 2020.
Arc, aims to expand the traditional map into a fully integrated experience within Panasonic’s IFEC ecosystem, particularly by aligning it with Panasonic’s entertainment solution, Theatre, and e-commerce solution Marketplace, backed by its NEXT Cloud infrastructure.
