Panasonic Avionics has launched Converix, an open and neutral application-hosting platform that provides a complete aircraft-wide solution for non-safety critical services on commercial aircraft.
Converix can be installed by any aircraft manufacturer, on any airframe type. According to Panasonic 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.
Converix is also designed to enable responsible artificial intelligence (AI), which can interface with the more than 10,000 datapoints found across an aircraft. The platform 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.
An AI virtual attendant at every seat offers passengers a wide range of personalised services on their journey, such as connection and luggage tracking updates, status updates on their hotel or car reservations, destination services such as restaurants recommendations, and more. Consumable and rich data services can also help airlines deliver more personalisation and targeted advertising, which Panasonic says can be up to ten-times the value of current in-flight media.
Ken Sain, CEO of Panasonic Avionics, said of the launch: “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.
An open and neutral Operations Platform utilising Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) allows those applications and content to be updated at the airline’s preferred cadence, minimising lengthy ATPs and costly monthly content loads.
Airlines will also be able to seamlessly integrate all their IFEC services through Converix, with scalable storage capacity to support traditional media. Working with the in-flight connectivity system, it creates a connected seatback, which will deliver OTT (over the top) streaming, as well as dynamically available cached content.
Panasonic says that a single Converix box on a twin-aisle aircraft could support four years of 4K media or 106 years of standard definition content. Its modular approach to processing power also ensures perpetual support for new applications and games.
Andy Masson, SVP of product and strategy at Panasonic Avionics, added that Converix “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.”
