India-based airline, Vistara, has upgraded the map application in its IFE system with Arc, Panasonic Avionics’ new 3D in-flight map application. Arc is inspired by the latest design thinking for contemporary digital and gaming experiences and is intended to enable airlines to leverage the high viewership of in-flight moving maps.The app is initially being offered on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, with the platform also due to be progressively made available on the airline’s new A321neo aircraft.
Arc will be available in all cabin classes, with the app able to be shown on the overhead monitors, seatback screens and video handsets, as well as on passengers’ own mobile devices when connected to the in-flight wi-fi system. Users will be able to choose from more than 20 distinct map views in 4K for various phases of flight, incorporating everything from 3D satellite imagery, local and global views, down to a personalised feature that enables passengers to see the aircraft’s relative position to their selected map location throughout their flight. More features such as a Kids Map and street map views will be introduced in a subsequent release of Arc.
“Arc, with its 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,” stated Vinod Kannan, Vistara’s chief commercial officer.
Andrew Mohr, VP of digital services and solutions for Panasonic Avionics Corporation added, “Arc represents a new generation of map technology, perfectly tuned to take advantage of our latest IFE hardware. Introducing many industry firsts, this collaboration with Vistara has resulted in both companies jointly setting a new standard for the in-flight map experience.”
