Panasonic and Intelsat To Bring Broadband Service to the Skies

LAKE FOREST, California – 06 May 2008 – Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic) and Intelsat Inc. announces the signing of a multi-year service agreement that will result in the next generation of in-flight passenger broadband access.

Panasonic, known for delivering state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment technology, is introducing an advanced satellite transmission platform that will allow airline passengers the ability to access Internet-based information and entertainment. The service, Panasonic eXConnect, provides passengers Internet connectivity.

The platform will leverage Intelsat’s existing GlobalConnexSM Broadband service that is available on Intelsat’s global fleet of 53 in-orbit satellites, and regional teleport facilities. By utilizing Intelsat’s existing infrastructure, Panasonic will be able to introduce eXConnect in key regions around the world, providing an efficient and cost-effective means to scale the network capacity as demand grows.

Panasonic eXConnect enables two-way broadband connectivity that provides a wide range of applications useful to both the passengers and crew such as VPN, live TV, shopping, streaming media, tele-medicine, operational applications and personal devices integrated to the airline’s in-flight entertainment systems. With data rates comparable to ground public WIFI hotspots, eXConnect offers airlines the opportunity to further differentiate their in-flight product with a valuable service to their passengers.

"On-demand, mobile communications continues to fuel the widespread integration of cutting-edge satellite services,” said Jay Yass, Intelsat’s Vice President, Network Services. “The agreement with Panasonic further demonstrates Intelsat’s ability to lead the global satellite industry in creating innovative data, video and voice infrastructure solutions. The Panasonic eXConnect platform, powered by the Intelsat system, delivers seamless broadband connectivity to passengers who seek Internet access wherever and whenever they need it, enabling them to stay connected while in flight.”

"At Panasonic, we believe that true broadband communication is an enabling technology that will unlock new efficiency and reliability improvements in the aeronautical world in addition to groundbreaking passenger connectivity service,” said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer at Panasonic Avionics Corporation. “We believe Intelsat has the best-in-class satellite communications systems that provide Panasonic with the satellite resources and operating knowledge necessary for the new eXConnect service to be operationally and financially successful.”

Panasonic Avionics Corporation
26200 Enterprise Way
Lake Forest, CA 92630

Media Contact:
Theresa Yeoh
949-462-1730

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world's leading supplier of in-flight entertainment (IFE) and communication systems. The company’s best-in-class solutions, supported by professional maintenance services, fully integrate with the cabin enabling airlines 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 serves over 200 customers worldwide and provides systems on over 3,700 aircraft. Headquartered in Lake Forest, California, the company employs over 2,600 employees with operations in 80 locations worldwide. For additional information, please visit www.panasonic.aero.

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC). Additional information on Matsushita Electric and Panasonic is available at www.panasonic.com.

This release was published on openPR.