Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Skip to main content
Home
    • Contact Panasonic
    • Save Page
    • Home
    • Trends
    • Connected World
    • Power play: energizing passengers’ devices
    Back to Resource Center

    Power play: energizing passengers’ devices

    • Contact us
      • Twitter
      • Facebook
      • Linkedin
      • Email
    keeping up with passenger devices

    Power play: energizing passengers’ devices

    5 minutes

    5G is on its way and its many capabilities are expected to benefit the mobile lifestyle including inflight travel. Imagine the possibilities: exploring the aircraft via virtual reality, downloading a movie in seconds, or transferring data in real-time at 32,000 feet. All this hyperconnected internet awesomeness means more travelers will be using more personal electronic devices than ever before. This rise in electronic devices presents airlines with a unique challenge: How to keep customers happy by maximizing the onboard power supply — without straining flight-critical systems. Already airlines are working on ways to keep passengers plugged in throughout flights, and face some complicated issues. For instance, what kind of power system to install.

    Passengers are traveling with devices that require a variety of outlets: 115V AC and high power USB outlets are most common, but wireless charging such as Qi is also getting some attention.

    The right connections

    According to SITA’s 2017 Passenger Trends IT Survey, the vast majority of airline passengers fly with at least one electronic device, and more than half carry two or more devices.

    Meanwhile, consumer trends show that while laptops – which require AC outlets — are still popular with a large number of flyers, most passengers use one or more USB-enabled devices during their journey.

    Does that mean getting rid of AC power altogether? Not necessarily, says Panasonic Avionics Product Marketing Manager Gary Kaplan. He explains that AC power still has a role to play in powering thirsty laptops. What’s changing the game is the development of USB Type-C power outlets. These allow larger tablets to be used inflight and also support fast-charging for smartphones.

    Figuring out what power outlets will work in the future is one challenge. Another is overall power distribution. Aircraft electrical supply is limited – so ensuring critical aircraft operations is a top priority.

    For safety reasons, original-equipment manufacturers set limits on the power distributed to passenger applications. Aircraft power-management systems dynamically distribute the power supply to seats; during periods of peak demand, power will go into “restricted mode” by cutting-off supply to non-critical electrical equipment.

    In Panasonic’s case, the company works with manufacturers to ensure its equipment offers optimal power delivery and aircraft safety, while keeping as many passengers plugged-in as possible throughout the flight.

    Learn more in Keeping up With Growing Passenger Demand for Inflight Juice

    Authors
    Panasonic Avionics

    Related Posts

    Joyous Father Pushes Swings with His Cute Little Daughter on Them. Happy Family Spends Time Together one Sunny Summer Day in the Idyllics Backyard.
    Sustainability & Environment

    Shining a light on the true value of solar power

    Like we've been saying: solar power is good for you and great for Earth. Here's why.
    Learn more
    Happy family mother housewife and child   in laundry with washing machine
    Financial & Incentives

    The price of solar electricity has dropped 89% in 10 years

    Music to homeowners' ears: gains in efficiency and acceptance bring solar panel prices way down.
    Learn more
    Woman with candle at home because of power cut
    Sustainability & Environment

    Be ready for power outages with renewable technology

    With more of us working, schooling & operating businesses from home, reliable electricity is now a must-have.
    Learn more
    Production of solar panels.
    Trends & Technology

    The rise of solar module OEM and what it means for homeowners

    Why are solar module manufacturers shifting to original equipment manufacturers to make their panels?
    Learn more
    Group of friends sitting on front porch laughing
    Sustainability & Environment

    One third of Oahu homes now solar powered

    How solar energy is powering Hawaii's homes and economy.
    Learn more
    Untouched sandy beach with palms trees and azure ocean
    Sustainability & Environment

    Rooftop solar booming in Hawaii as utility launches Quick Connect

    Aloha State homeowners embrace the sun's abundant energy with a little help from their power company.
    Learn more
    Modern passive house with solar panels and white roof for energy efficiency.
    Homeowner Insights

    6 Key Benefits of Creating a Solar-Powered Home

    Has switching your home to solar power become a no-brainer?
    Learn more
    asian family with one child having fun in the woods
    Homeowner Insights

    Why you should unify your home energy system in 2021

    Purchasing the components of your solar & storage system from a single brand has its benefits.
    Learn more
    Sunset over solar panels
    Trends & Technology

    Solar-plus-storage poised to become more financially attractive, but seasonal solutions remain key

    The current and future state of solar power and energy storage in America.
    Learn more
    Father and son hiking through the mountain at sunrise
    Trends & Technology

    4 home renewable energy predictions in 2021

    Panasonic's Dan Glaser gives his residential renewable energy predictions and outlook for 2021.
    Learn more
    Wooden blocks with the word ROI and green arrow up. High level of business profitability. Return on investment, invested capital, rate. Success. Growth. Analytics. Report
    Financial & Incentives

    How quickly will your solar panels pay for themselves?

    Understanding payback period and return on investment of your solar panel purchase.
    Learn more
    Businesswomen discussing by table in office
    Financial & Incentives

    How to accelerate solar adoption for the underserved

    As solar panels have become more affordable, there's no reason home solar has to be exclusive to upper income households.
    Learn more
    Back to Trends

    Contact Sales

    Thank you for your submission. A Panasonic representative will contact you.

    Contact Support

    Thank you for your submission. A Panasonic representative will contact you.

    • About Us
    • News
    • Careers
    • Investor Relations
    • Social Impact
    • Contact Us
    • Do Not Sell My Data

    Get the Latest on Panasonic Trends

    Thanks for signing up!

    Connect with us

    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Linkedin
    • Instagram Link
    • Youtube

    Select Country/Language

    • United States - English
    • Canada - English
    • Canada - Français
    © 2020 Panasonic Corporation of North America. All Rights Reserved.
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms
    • Panasonic Global
    • Consumer
    • Industrial
    Reviewed by Accessible 360
    Reviewed by Accessible 360