Two new in-seat power options are now available from Astronics, extending the company’s range of offerings and reflecting trends in the consumer electronics market. Delivered under the company’s emPower branding, the new USB-C and wireless solutions offer increased power from prior generations, and increased flexibility for airlines and passengers.
The Qi2 wireless charging module builds on the company’s existing wireless offering, boosting power delivered and device compatibility. The new Qi2 module offers 25W of power, up from the current 15W. It is also designed to be a visible presence in the cabin – what the company calls a “proud mounting” – rather than blending in behind the seat finish.
The exposed mount accommodates camera lenses of larger phones. It is also MagSafe-compatible, helping to ensure device alignment and maximum charging efficiency.
The dual USB-C solution offers up to 60 watts of power in each location, with power output controlled by the company’s intelligent power management logic. The dual USB-C offering joins the company’s USB-A, dual USB-A, USB-C, and mixed USB-A/C options. The different port modules can all be swapped interchangeably on an aircraft using the same controller module.
The new dual USB-C port retains the max output of 60W at the location, meaning the full output is combined for both ports. If just one is used it can draw the full rated performance. If both are in use they share the 60W output. That is probably enough in most scenarios, but rapid charging of multiple devices would likely not work. It also comes up short against newer charge ports embedded in IFE screens, which now can deliver 100W or more of power. The new FlytEDGE Aura screens, for example, promise dual USB-C ports with a peak draw of 120W each. The underlying power module only delivers 360W to a set of seats, so every port won’t be able to deliver 120W concurrently, but the peak is higher. Whether that really matters in airline decision making on power options remains to be seen.
More news from Aircraft Interiors Expo 2026
- PaxEx PR: Crystal Cabin Awards 2026 Finalists Announced
- SkyNook Offers Space, Privacy in Economy Class
- Iberia, Recaro Team for Sustainable Seating
- Luci Live Brings Contextual Chat to FlightPath3D’s Moving Map
- Expliseat Snags Pair of US Airline Customers
- ThinKom’s Nexus Delivers High Performance in a Compact Package
- Saudia, NSG (Finally) Confirm Inflight Internet Partnership
- Amazon Leo Introduces Gigabit Aviation Antenna
- SES, JAL Team for Expanded Multi-Orbit IFC Deployment
- Air Canada Picks Collins Aurora Mini-Suites for A321XLRs
- Expliseat Goes Premium with TiSeat S Launch
- Thales FlytEDGE Aura Brings Brighter, Lighter Screens On Board
- Viasat Pursues Boeing Line-fit for AERA Terminal
- Volotea to Trial Immfly LEO Inflight Internet
- SES Hits Multi-orbit Line-fit Offerability Milestone with Boeing
- ThinKom Secures Ka2517 Type Certification for SES Open Orbits
- Collins Scores Trio of Airlines for Helix Launch
- Burrana Teases Digital In-seat Billboard Platform
- Boeing’s E-Lounge: A Digital Workspace in the Sky
- Hughes Snags Air India IFC Contract, Tweaks Antenna Plans
- eXNeo Brings New Brains to Old Screens for Performance Boost
- Some Starlink Updates from AIX 2026
- Moment Launches Agnostic Wi-Fi Portal
- Astronics Boosts Power Options On Board
A favor to ask while you're here...
Did you enjoy the content? Or learn something useful? Or generally just think this is the type of story you'd like to see more of? Consider supporting the site through a donation (any amount helps). It helps keep me independent and avoiding the credit card schlock.
Leave a Reply