Astronics Corporation has signed an agreement with Southwest Airlines to provide its EMPOWER® Passenger In-Seat Power System for installation on 475 Boeing 737 MAX-7 and MAX-8 aircraft.
According to Astronics, this award is part of Southwest’s recently announced significant cabin upgrade initiative to enhance the carrier’s customer experience.
Southwest Airlines selected a system configuration that will provide 60W Type-C and 10.5W Type-A USB charging ports at every passenger seat, allowing passengers to power and charge two devices simultaneously, including smartphones, tablets, laptops and other portable electronic devices.
“Our goal was to ensure that, when we took the leap into the in-seat power market, we provided our customers with the latest and greatest cabin power system,” said Tony Roach, Vice President Customer Experience and Customer Relations at Southwest Airlines. “Astronics was the clear choice, with their latest-generation system providing USB A and USB C power ports on every seat in the aircraft, in a space-saving system architecture that does not compromise legroom.”
“Southwest Airlines and Astronics both share a customer-centric strategic vision which includes a desire to collaborate and a willingness to invest in products and services that improve the flying experience,” said Aaron Clarke, Vice President of Cabin Electronics at Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems. “We’re excited our newest system architecture hit the mark with Southwest, and we are excited to be part of the great experience Southwest is bringing to their passengers.”
