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PANASONIC AVIONICS CORPORATION ADDS COVERAGE AND CAPACITY TO ITS GLOBAL KU AERONAUTICAL NETWORK WITH THE YAMAL 201 SATELLITE

Friday, January 27, 2012

Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in in-flight entertainment and communications (IFEC), today announced that it has commissioned and tested its new service on the Yamal 201 Russian satellite via its partner RuSat’s teleport in Moscow, Russia.

The Russian satellite is a strategic addition to the company’s global aeronautical broadband network because it provides essential service for aircraft routes from Europe to Asia. With the Yamal 201 satellite, the more than 1,200 aircraft that have been committed to Panasonic’s Global Communications Suite will be able to fly around the globe, above the equator, with uninterrupted broadband coverage from the company’s Ku-band network.

Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer for Panasonic Avionics Corporation said, “We are now only a few months away from completing the world’s first global Ku frequency, high bandwidth aeronautical network. We are very excited to see our powerful broadband network offer global, uninterrupted in-flight connectivity, and look forward to helping our customers use broadband connectivity to enhance operational efficiencies and the in-flight entertainment experience.”
Panasonic’s Global Communications Suite system provides two-way broadband connectivity to an aircraft. It supports a wide range of passenger and crew applications including in-flight broadband Internet access over Wi-Fi to passengers, and mobile phone service offered in collaboration with Aeromobile. Panasonic’s in-flight connectivity service also includes the first and only global live television service to offer content from BBC World News, BBC Arabic, Bloomberg Television, NHK World Premium, France 24, Euronews, IMG Media’s Barclays’ Premiere League Channel, and IMG Media’s Sport 24. Today, there are more than 1,200 aircraft that have been committed to Panasonic’s global broadband service.

HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESS IS NOW AVAILABLE ON TURKISH AIRLINES FLIGHTS

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Turkish Airlines, together with Panasonic Avionics Corporation, has added high-speed Wi-Fi broadband Internet access to its existing live, inflight television service on Trans-Atlantic flights using its IFE platform, PLANET.

Passengers are now able to access high-speed, unlimited Internet with laptops, tablets, smartphones or any other device that is WLAN-enabled . Business travellers can also access their company’s Virtual Private Network (VPN). The high-speed Internet service will initially be provided free of charge as an introductory offer.

After this period, passengers will be able to access the Internet via an access code, which will be available for credit card purchase on board the aircraft via the service provider‘s portal pages. Together with the new high-speed Internet service, seatback screens will continue to provide passengers with live TV, the latest news, as well as online services related to Turkish Airlines’ loyalty program Miles&Smiles and access to customer relations connections.

On September 23, 2011, Turkish Airlines was the first airline to offer Live TV on commercial transatlantic flights, with the introduction of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

PLANET GCS is now active on 1 B777-300ER aircraft with plans to quickly expand the availability of this system to the 11 additional Boeing 777-300ERs and 10 Airbus 330-300 aircraft in its fleet as quickly as possible.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS AND PANASONIC AVIONICS CORPORATION SIGN 10-YEAR DEAL

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Etihad Airways has selected Panasonic Avionics Corporation to provide the in-flight entertainment systems and in-flight connectivity, including broadband Internet and live TV, for the airline’s entire long-haul fleet of wide body aircraft.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, and Paul Margis, Panasonic Avionics’ Chief Executive Officer, today signed a letter of intent for a 10-year exclusive agreement for in-flight entertainment and communications (IFEC) solutions, including mobile phone services in conjunction with AeroMobile.

The deal currently being finalised, which is valued at more than US$1 billion at list prices, will include a full service maintenance contract.

Etihad Airways and Panasonic are developing a plan to deploy Panasonic's eX2 and eX3 IFEC systems on 100 new aircraft, in addition to the 16 aircraft already equipped with the eX2 system.

Under the agreement, Etihad Airways will install Panasonic’s eX2 system on its new Airbus A380s, Boeing 787s, and Boeing 777-300ERs, and will use Panasonic’s eX3 solution for its new Airbus A350 aircraft.

The deal also includes the installation of Panasonic’s Global Communications Suite, which provides in-flight broadband connectivity, mobile phone service and live television content, across Etihad Airways’ entire fleet of existing and to-be-delivered wide body aircraft.

Mr Hogan said: “It is essential that we offer the most engaging and dynamic in-flight entertainment for our guests – especially on longhaul flights. We went through a comprehensive technical and commercial evaluation of what was out there in the market. Panasonic will support Etihad Airways’ commitment to delivering a system that will enable us to stay at the leading edge in this all-important area.”

Mr Margis said: “We are very honored at the opportunity to work with one of the world’s leading airlines on an IFEC solution for its aircraft, including the new Boeing 787 and Airbus A380 aircraft. Etihad Airways is a very important and valued customer for Panasonic, and we look forward to delivering an uncompromising IFEC solution and in-flight connectivity service that offers passengers an unparalleled entertainment experience.”

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS SELECTS PANASONIC TO INSTALL WI-FI

Friday, November 04, 2011

United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL) today announced that it selected Panasonic Avionics Corporation to provide Wi-Fi connectivity in all cabins on more than 300 United Airlines and Continental Airlines aircraft beginning in mid-2012. Panasonic’s Ku-band satellite technology offers faster speed than air-to-ground technology (ATG) and will provide connectivity on flights worldwide. The system will also enable wireless streaming of video content.

“Our customers tell us they value Wi-Fi,” said Jim Compton, United’s executive vice president and chief revenue officer. “As a global carrier, United is especially pleased that the Ku-band technology will enable customers to stay connected on longer overseas flights, something no other U.S.-based international carrier currently offers.”

Paul Margis, chief executive officer for Panasonic Avionics Corporation said, "Panasonic is honored that United Continental Holdings selected our Global Communications Suite for more than 300 aircraft in its domestic and international fleets. United Continental Holdings has an exciting vision about how to leverage Ku technology within its fleets, and we are thrilled to be working with them on a connectivity experience that sets a new standard in in-flight entertainment and communications.”

United Continental Holdings expects to install the Panasonic system on Airbus 319 and 320 and Boeing 747, 757, 767, 777 and 787 aircraft. Customers will be able to use their wireless devices such as laptops, smart phones and tablets onboard these aircraft to connect with internet service using the in-flight hotspot.

United Continental Holdings expects the entire mainline fleet will be equipped with Wi-Fi by 2015. Continental Airlines previously announced plans to install Wi-Fi on more than 200 DIRECTV-equipped aircraft beginning in 2012.