Latest Press Release Feed http://www.panasonic.aero/PressRelease/GetRssFeed.aspx Panasonic.Aero Press Release Copyright 2010 Panasonic.Aero Cathay Pacific and Panasonic Avionics Corporation Plan to Keep Passengers Connected as They Fly

Cathay Pacific Airways and Panasonic Avionics Corporation today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the provision of full broadband connectivity on all Cathay Pacific and Dragonair passenger aircraft.

While final terms are still being negotiated, the MOU allows the parties to immediately begin developing the plan to provide connectivity for passengers together with promotional, sponsorship and e-commerce opportunities for Cathay Pacific partner brands.                                          

Cathay Pacific is the first airline in Asia to announce its intention to deploy Panasonic Avionics’ Global Communications Suite broadband connectivity solution. It is also the first airline globally to announce an intention to provide the solution across its full fleet. Services will launch from early 2012, subject to regulatory approval. 

The Panasonic Avionics connectivity solution for Cathay Pacific will comprise the eXConnect broadband service, eXPhone GSM phone service, and a CX-branded free-of-charge entertainment portal - accessible through all passenger devices and seatback screens - that will include a range of content updated during the flight, access to airline and partner sites, e-commerce, airline-specific advertising, and live television with a unique pay-per-view capability for special events. 

   -  eXConnect provides two-way broadband connectivity supporting a wide range of passenger and crew applications, including Internet access, voice, data, and the ability to monitor and transmit airline operational data in real time at speeds of up to 50 Mbps to the aircraft.

   -   eXPhone, offered in collaboration with AeroMobile’s GSM mobile phone technology, allows passengers to use their mobile phones, smart phones and Blackberry devices onboard to make voice calls, send SMS text messages or utilize data services and stream content wirelessly to their iPod, iPhone and iPad. eXPhone gives the airline flexibility and full control over the services offered including restricting certain services when appropriate. 

Alex McGowan, Head of Product for Cathay Pacific, said: “Connectivity will form an important part of our overall customer proposition. Having that connectivity integrated closely with our video on demand entertainment system is especially valuable as it means that all passengers will be able to use the service. We believe that being connected is now an expected part of everyday life – not just for business purposes but also to stay in touch with family and friends. This system will allow passengers to be as ‘in touch’ as they wish to be while enjoying the great Cathay Pacific and Dragonair service.”

Charles Ogilvie, Executive Director of China for Panasonic Avionics Corporation, said: “We are very proud and thrilled to be working with Cathay Pacific. We are committed to serving the needs of the ever-growing markets in China and Asia. With Panasonic Avionics’ Global Communications Services, Cathay Pacific will be the first airline in Asia to offer passengers the most innovative inflight entertainment and communication options onboard commercial aircraft.” 

Cathay Pacific Airways and Panasonic Avionics Corporation have enjoyed a close relationship since 1994. 

]]> http://www.panasonic.aero/PressRelease/Detail.aspx?PressReleaseID=62 Tuesday, July 06, 2010 Panasonic Avionics Corporation's In-Flight Entertainment Systems Earn "Hottest New Product Designs" Honors Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems, was recognized for design leadership and innovation yesterday, when two of its most revolutionary IFEC solutions were selected for International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA®).

Panasonic's Integrated Smart Monitor, a seatback hardware solution, and Panasonic's neXperience (formerly called "FlightPath"), an interactive passenger experience platform, collected design awards in three categories.

The Integrated Smart Monitor, created with industrial design firm Teague, earned a bronze IDEA in the transportation category and a silver IDEA in design research.  neXperience, conceived with the assistance of design agency Artefact, was named a bronze IDEA winner in the interactive product experiences category.

"We recognize that cutting edge technology alone does not make a great product.  Great products are equally dependent on great design," said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation.  "We take design very seriously and are proud to have our efforts recognized. To have two different solutions honored with IDEAs in the same year is incredibly gratifying.  It reinforces our commitment to creating the best possible IFEC solutions for our customers."

Established in 1980, the IDEAs are sponsored by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) to recognize the most groundbreaking concepts in products, ecodesign, interaction design, packaging, strategy, research and concepts.  Entries are judged on innovation, benefit, aesthetics, usability and design strategy.

The Integrated Smart Monitor, now in production, is the airline industry's first fully integrated IFEC seat solution, in which the smart monitor and passenger seat are purpose-built for one another.  Unlike other IFEC systems, which often require customization to the seats, the monitors or both, Panasonic's Integrated Smart Monitor was designed holistically to address the seat-IFEC challenge from scratch.  Collaborating with Teague and seat vendor Weber Aircraft, Panasonic worked from the ground up to create an integrated IFEC solution that would eliminate the weight, space and power draw issues that previously led airlines to resist seatback IFEC solutions for economy class.  The result was a next-generation, touch-screen monitor seamlessly integrated with an ultra-thin, lightweight economy seat that transforms the passenger experience.

"We set the standard in collaboration and design," said Marshal H. Perlman, Director, Product Management at Panasonic Avionics Corporation.  "Other IFEC suppliers are now following suit because we've demonstrated that everyone wins when we design a solution with the passenger – and airlines – in mind."

Panasonic neXperience, a concept interactive business platform, works with the aircraft's IFEC system to offer an event-driven, location-aware and content-rich seatback environment.  Content, including in-flight promotional offers and newsfeeds, can be customized to each passenger's preferences, and is presented within a visual in-flight timeline to the destination.

For airlines, neXperience can offer new revenue opportunities, particularly when coupled with real-time broadband connectivity.  For example, passengers can receive targeted advertising and shopping opportunities, based on location, destination, activity or preferences. 

"neXperience keeps passengers engaged, improves the workflow for the cabin crew and offers enhanced revenue or branding opportunities for airlines," said Steve Gladstone, Director, Product Management at Panasonic Avionics Corporation.  "It is the ultimate in-flight application."

IDEA was formerly known as the Industrial Design Excellence Awards.  The name changed in 2007 to emphasize the international reach and influence of the competition.  IDEA is co-sponsored by Fast Company and IDSA.

]]> http://www.panasonic.aero/PressRelease/Detail.aspx?PressReleaseID=61 Monday, June 28, 2010 Virgin Atlantic to Keep Passengers Connected In Flight on A330 Planes with Cutting Edge Panasonic Avionics Corporation Technology Onboard

Virgin Atlantic Airways and Panasonic Avionics Corporation have forged a long-term partnership which will see the airline install the award-winning eX2 in-flight entertainment system and eXPhone communications product onboard its A330 fleet of aircraft as well as a strategy for full connectivity onboard future aircraft. Virgin Atlantic will be the first UK long-haul airline to roll-out this service across its leisure fleet.  

The eXPhone deal with Panasonics Avionics Corporation and their in-flight GSM smart phone partner AeroMobile, will enable passengers to make phone calls and send and receive texts and emails using their own mobile devices onboard.  

Key features of the new eX2 in-flight entertainment system allow passengers to rate the films and read comment and critique from leading film critics. Passengers can also view interviews with the cast and directors and are able to easily search for their films of choice and create a play list for the flight using the ‘save for later’ functions. 

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic, commented;

“Virgin Atlantic has a well-deserved reputation for leading the way in in-flight entertainment and technology – we were the first airline to offer individual seat-back TVs for all passengers almost twenty years ago - and I have no doubt this system will again set new standards that our competitors will seek to follow. 

“The system is simple and intuitive for passengers to use with around 300 hours of entertainment at their fingertips – quite literally using the latest touchscreen technology.  We are confident that even our more technophobic passengers will find it easy to use. It is packed with blockbuster movies and award-winning TV shows along with a wide choice of music for all tastes and games so the time onboard will literally fly by.” 

Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer for Panasonic Avionics, commented;

“We are grateful to Virgin Atlantic for their ongoing loyalty and belief in us as a strategic technical partner. This alliance gives us the confidence to push the envelope, continue to innovate and deliver solutions that exceed Virgin’s expectations.”

In Premium Economy and Upper Class passengers will be able to plug in a variety of their mobile devices to play their music, videos, pictures and documents on the seat-back screen. Passengers in all classes will be able to plug a USB in to view their own content. Live news updates, destination videos and an interactive map are also available amongst many other features.  

The $2.1bn order for 10 A330s, which are due to be delivered from February 2011 and which can seat up to 313 passengers, will operate on many of Virgin Atlantic’s existing business and leisure routes worldwide as well as assisting future growth.  The new twin-engine A330-300s will ensure that Virgin Atlantic maintains its reputation for flying one of the most modern and environmentally-friendly fleets in the world. It is nearly 10% more fuel efficient than the A340-300 aircraft. 


]]> http://www.panasonic.aero/PressRelease/Detail.aspx?PressReleaseID=57 Wednesday, June 16, 2010 Hong Kong Airlines Selects Panasonic Avionics Corporation's eX2 IFEC System for New A330 Wide-body Aircraft http://www.panasonic.aero/PressRelease/Detail.aspx?PressReleaseID=59 Tuesday, June 15, 2010