Panasonic Avionics Corporation (PAC) has signed a 10-year agreement with Riyadh Air, to provide in-flight entertainment (IFE) maintenance support for the Saudi Arabian airline’s fleet of 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on order. Riyadh Air is due to commence passenger flights in late 2025. Riyadh Air previously announced that it has selected Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova seat-end IFE solution for its entire fleet.
The contract will also see PAC subsidiary, Panasonic Technical Services (PTS), establish a new line maintenance station in Riyadh. PTS’s technical teams with specialist knowledge of the Dreamliner’s systems will deliver MRO services. PAC’s new investment in Saudi Arabia includes the recruitment of local staff at the PTS line maintenance station, who will receive education and training to support.
The maintenance agreement includes the provision of PTS’ Total Care Package, designed to ensure uninterrupted aircraft operation and passenger experience. Riyadh Air will be provide with line maintenance support, on-site technical expertise, proactive maintenance planning, 24/7 technical support, spares and repair services, and fully compliant Part 145 services.
Tom Eskola, VP of Panasonic Technical Services at Panasonic Avionics, said of the contract: “We are thrilled to partner with Riyadh Air on this long-term agreement. Our Total Care Package service is set to provide proactive, comprehensive support, minimising downtime and ensuring consistently exceptional operational performance and passenger experience. With a new dedicated base in Saudi Arabia, we are demonstrating our commitment to providing Riyadh Air with the highest level of service and support, combining our expertise in both aircraft maintenance and IFE systems.”
