Panasonic Avionics and Riyadh Air sign 10-year maintenance agreement in Dubai
Panasonic Avionics to provide maintenance support to Riyadh Air fleet
Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic Avionics) has announced a 10-year agreement with Riyadh Air to provide inflight entertainment maintenance support for their fleet of confirmed orders of 39 787 Dreamliners. The announcement comes on the first day of MRO Middle East, co-located with AIME 2025 in Dubai.
Panasonic Technical Services (PTS) will also establish a new line maintenance station in Riyadh. Technical teams with specialized knowledge of the Dreamliner’s advanced systems will deliver top-tier PTS MRO services. Panasonic Avionics’ new investment in Saudi Arabia includes local staff hires at the PTS line maintenance station. Panasonic will advance education and training to support this innovative project.
The maintenance agreement includes the provision of PTS’ Total Care Package, to ensure seamless aircraft operation and optimal passenger experience. This strategic agreement combines both companies’ commitment to innovation and excellence in the industry.
As Riyadh Air develops future flying experiences, Panasonic Avionics will continue to enhance passenger experiences and provide its customers with opportunities to stand out in the market, the February 10 press release said.
PTS’ 25 years of service is set to deliver an invaluable OEM experience that Riyadh Air will benefit from as it commences passenger flights later this year. The agreement will provide Riyadh Air with:
Comprehensive line maintenance support
On-site technical expertise
Proactive maintenance planning
24/7 technical support
Spares and repair services
Fully compliant Part 145 services
Panasonic Avionics’ investment in Saudi Arabia includes local staff hires at the PTS line maintenance station.
“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, minimizing 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,” said Tom Eskola, Vice President, Panasonic Technical Services at Panasonic Avionics.
Peter Belew, Chief Operations Officer at Riyadh Air, also commented on the agreement: “Delivering a consistent, premium passenger experience is at the heart of everything we do. When it came to supporting our IFE systems, Panasonic Technical Services was best positioned to provide the necessary care and expertise. We are confident that this strategic agreement will ensure our passengers enjoy a world-class IFE experience on every flight.”
Riyadh Air also selected Panasonic Avionics’ seatback IFE solution, Astrova, for its entire 787-9 fleet last year.
