http://www.panasonic.aero/PressRelease/GetRssFeed.aspx Panasonic.Aero Press Release Copyright 2010 Panasonic.Aero
"We are always striving to enhance the onboard experience in creative new ways.  FlightPath elevates the passenger dining experience while enhancing revenue opportunities and improving workflow for the cabin crew," said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation.  "It is gratifying to have ITCA recognize our innovative approach to in-flight catering needs, particularly while FlightPath is still in the development stage."

FlightPath works with the aircraft's IFEC system to offer an event-driven, content-rich seatback environment, where the passenger's meal and beverage options are personalized, and presented within a visual in-flight timeline to the destination. 

Within FlightPath, passengers can take advantage of targeted advertising and shopping opportunities, either for in-flight, home, or at-gate delivery. In addition, passengers can engage with crew members, friends, and family using FlightPath's communication applications, for food pairing recommendations or even a virtual wine tasting event.

The passenger's interactive experience can be further extended to include tourist information, virtual shopping centers or even booking restaurant reservations all from 40,000 feet. FlightPath seamlessly integrates with applications to provide airlines a complete food, beverage and entertainment solution. 

The Mercury Award is the most prestigious award in travel catering worldwide.  Established in 1981, the Mercury Award has six categories, including: On Board Service, Food or Beverage, Equipment, Skills Development, Systems and Process Development and Inspiration. ITCA is a global association with more than 700 members, representing caterers as well as suppliers of products and equipment for airline, sea and rail operators.

]]> http://www.panasonic.aero/PressRelease/Detail.aspx?PressReleaseID=52 Thursday, March 11, 2010
The first aircraft is equipped with the Panasonic Digital Multiplexed Passenger Entertainment System (DMPES), an overhead in-flight entertainment system.

The Panasonic DMPES is an audio and video distribution in-flight entertainment system for narrow-body aircraft such as the A320. The system uses the latest technology that incorporates Panasonic's X Series System, which reduces space, weight and power when compared with traditional overhead systems. The 10.4" touch screen Crew Panel provides a user friendly and easy access point for the crew.

"We are very pleased to have Israir as a new customer and are looking forward to working closely with them to manage and support their IFEC System," said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation. "Israir's selection of Panasonic's in-flight entertainment system will help strengthen the airline's competitive advantage by taking the in-flight experience to a higher level for its passengers."

"We are very impressed with Panasonic's global support network, and having local support based in Tel Aviv was important in our decision to choose the Panasonic DMPES," said Mr. Tamir Jacoby, Service Manager at Israir. "Also, the quality and innovation of the product is in line with the high expectations of our passengers, who want a rich and seamless ground-to-air in-flight entertainment experience."

Established in 1996, Israir is Israel's second largest carrier, offering both domestic flights and international flights between Israel and major destinations in the Mediterranean Basin and Europe. In 2007 Israir became the first Airbus customer in Israel with the purchase of three A320 aircraft. Its fleet also includes ATRs with seating for 50.

]]> http://www.panasonic.aero/PressRelease/Detail.aspx?PressReleaseID=51 Tuesday, March 02, 2010  
The contract between Airbus and Panasonic was signed at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France on February 4, 2010 by Klaus Richter, EVP of Procurement at Airbus and Paul Margis, CEO at Panasonic Avionics Corporation.
 
Panasonic's advanced IFEC solutions enable airlines to easily tailor the passenger experience.  Along with full-cabin audio and video on demand (AVOD), passengers will be able to choose from a large selection of movies, television programs, music and advanced applications including:
 
• eXPhone - In-flight mobile phones service
• eXConnect - Full internet access with corporate VPN support over true broadband
• Panasonic Airborne Television Network - Global television solution broadcasting live news and sports

 
Panasonic also offers airline specific services such as onboard advertising and IFEC usage statistic monitoring, both of which are accessible by airlines though Panasonic's web-based PAXUS data analysis tool. 
 
"We are proud to extend our relationship with Airbus and be selected to install our in-flight entertainment and communications system equipment on the Airbus A350 XWB flight test aircraft MSN002," said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer at Panasonic Avionics Corporation. "As an IFE & Cabin Communications supplier on the Airbus A350 XWB, even more passengers will be able to experience the next generation passenger experience as these new airplanes enter service."
]]> http://www.panasonic.aero/PressRelease/Detail.aspx?PressReleaseID=49 Friday, February 05, 2010
Panasonic offers airlines complete, integrated solutions for in-flight entertainment and connectivity. With the installation of Panasonic's advanced eX2 In-Flight Entertainment and Global Communications Suite, Turkish Airlines' passengers will have a full complement of in-flight entertainment and communication options available at their fingertips. Passengers will be able to choose from a large selection of movies, television programs, music and advanced applications including:

• eXConnect: Global, true broadband connectivity to support a wide range of passenger and crew applications, such as internet access, corporate VPN, voice, data, and the ability to monitor and transmit airline operational data in real time
• eXPhone: Award-winning in-flight mobile phone service to make voice calls, send SMS text messages, or utilize data services in-flight, virtually anywhere in the world
• The Panasonic Airborne Television Network: A proprietary, dedicated network broadcasting live news, sports, financial information and special events

Panasonic's eX2 and Global Communications Suite solutions are being fitted on the airline's fleet of 12 Boeing 777-300ERs and 10 Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The first aircraft is due to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Temel Kotil, President and Chief Executive Officer of Turkish Airlines, said, "We are delighted to be bringing the latest, state-of-the-art technology to our customers. Panasonic's eX2 and Global Communications Suite will give us the ability tailor our passengers' experiences with live broadcast TV, Wi-Fi access for laptops and PDAs, as well as the use of mobile phones."

Since 2007 the in-flight mobile connectivity technology has been exceptionally well-received. Over one million airline passengers have now used AeroMobile services since inception. On some flights, passenger adoption rates are exceeding 40%. 

"We are extremely pleased with Turkish Airlines' selection of Panasonic's eX2 and Global Communications Suite system for their aircraft," said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation. "With this decision, Turkish Airlines will be a leader in offering its passengers an integrated in-flight entertainment and communication system that truly raises the bar for in-flight experiences.   We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the start of 2010 than to proudly announce Turkish Airlines as our newest customer for in-flight entertainment, connectivity and mobile phone services."

Bjorn-Taale Sandberg, Chief Executive Officer of AeroMobile, said, "We are delighted to have been chosen by Turkish Airlines as a key provider in the modernisation of their fleet. This selection once again underlines that AeroMobile is the supplier of choice for the flag-carrying airlines of the world, and demonstrates the versatility and flexibility of our technology in being able to operate over Panasonic's Ku band system."

In 2008, Panasonic and AeroMobile won the "Best Achievement in Technology 2008" award for eXPhone from the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA).

]]> http://www.panasonic.aero/PressRelease/Detail.aspx?PressReleaseID=50 Friday, February 05, 2010