Panasonic Avionics has unveiled Converix, an open and neutral application hosting platform providing an aircraft-wide solution for non-safety critical services.
Converix can be installed by any aircraft manufacturer on any airframe type. It supports all in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) integration, cabin and galley operations, lighting and other in-cabin applications.
Using it, airlines will also be able to monitor aircraft data, improve crew operations, manage cabin inventories and optimise aircraft maintenance.
Converix enables responsible artificial intelligence (AI), which can interface with the 10,000-plus data points across an aircraft.
It will leverage Large Language Models (LLMs) and Agentic AI to analyse multiple terabytes of structured and unstructured data to provide consumable and data-rich airline analytics such as daily CEO and executive reports to improve operational efficiency.
An AI virtual attendant at every seat empowers passengers with a wide range of personalised services on their journey including connections and luggage tracking, status of hotel or car reservations, and destination services such as restaurant recommendations.
Consumable and rich data services can also help airlines deliver more personalisation and targeted advertising, which can be up to 10 times the value of current in-flight media.
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.
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 integrate their IFEC services through Converix. Scalable storage capacity will support traditional media. In concert with inflight connectivity, it creates the connected seatback which will deliver OTT (over the top) streaming, as well as dynamically available cached content.
A single Converix box on a twin-aisle aircraft can support four years of 4K media or 106 years of standard definition content. Its modular approach to processing power ensures perpetual support for new applications and games.
Ken Sain, Chief Executive Officer, Panasonic Avionics, says: “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.”
Andy Masson, Senior Vice President of Product and Strategy for Panasonic Avionics, added: “It 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.”
