Press Release

Middle East Airlines Selects Panasonic Avionics for A321 Family IFE and Connectivity

07/13/20 | 3 MIN READ

Panasonic Avionics (Panasonic) has been selected by Middle East Airlines-Air Liban (MEA) to provide inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for 15 of its Airbus A321 family aircraft.

Upon delivery from July 2020 onwards, 9 A321neos will become the first connected aircraft to join MEA’s fleet. They will be linefitted with Panasonic’s eX1 seatback IFE solution, designed specifically for narrowbody aircraft.

eX1 offers elegant full HD seatback monitors, complete with touch displays and handsets, and an intuitive, personalized interface. Passengers will have access to USB and laptop charging power points at every seat as well.

MEA’s A321neos will also be fitted with Panasonic’s inflight Wi-Fi service, with a host of next-generation connectivity benefits from fast internet to video streaming, all powered by its new satellite modem which offers bandwidth up to twenty times greater than previously available.

Panasonic’s high-performance connectivity is a powerful way for airlines to build brand loyalty by delivering new and personalized content to passengers inflight.

Ken Sain, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Middle East Airlines to enhance the passenger experience on their A321 family aircraft with our world-class inflight entertainment and connectivity. The Middle East is a dynamic and strategically important region for Panasonic Avionics.”

Mohamad El Hout, Chairman – Director General of MEA, said; “We are happy to partner again with Panasonic Avionics. MEA’s new aircraft is equipped with its state-of-the-art inflight entertainment systems including Wi-Fi connectivity for the first time, reflecting the company’s ambition to provide customers with the best products the industry has to offer.”

“We are happy to partner again with Panasonic Avionics. MEA’s new aircraft is equipped with its state-of-the-art inflight entertainment systems including Wi-Fi connectivity for the first time, reflecting the company’s ambition to provide customers with the best products the industry has to offer.”

Mohamad El Hout
Chairman – Director General of MEA

About Panasonic Avionics Corporation

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world’s leading supplier of inflight entertainment and communication systems. The company’s best-in-class solutions, supported by professional maintenance services, fully integrate with the cabin enabling its customers to deliver the ultimate travel experiences with a rich variety of entertainment choices, resulting in improved quality communication systems and solutions, reduced time-to-market and lower overall costs. 

Established in 1979, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, a U.S. corporation, is a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. Headquartered in Lake Forest, California with over 3,500 employees and operations in 60 global locations, it has delivered over 15,400 IFE systems and 2,500 inflight connectivity solutions to the world’s leading airlines.

About Middle East Airlines-Air Liban

Middle East Airlines – Air Liban (MEA) was established in 1945. A private commercial company governed by the Commercial Law in managing its operations. MEA is one of the major air carriers in the Middle East region. From its home base in Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, MEA operates flights to 32 international destinations in Europe, Middle East, and West Africa. MEA is a member of SkyTeam world alliance which includes a network of airlines that cover 1150 destinations in 177 countries. MEA fleet consists of 19 Airbus aircraft equipped with the latest technologies and inflight entertainment systems. For additional information, please visit: www.mea.com.lb

For additional information, please visit www.panasonic.aero

Media Contacts

Brian Bardwell
Sr. Manager, Corporate Communications
Tel: +1 949 462 1742
Brian.Bardwell@panasonic.aero

Charlie Hampton
Tel: +44 (0)7884 187297
Charlie@pembrokeandrye.com