LAKE FOREST, Calif., 7 Aug. 2013. Panasonic Avionics and China Telecom Satellite Communications Limited are partnering to develop, implement, and support in-flight connectivity solutions in China.
The signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) will also make possible the first ever provision of in-flight connectivity to Panasonic's 36 non-Chinese customer airlines when flying into and over China, says a company spokesperson.
Panasonic Avionics' eXConnect system uses the company’s global Ku-band aeronautical satellite network to deliver in-flight broadband connectivity, enabling passengers to access the Internet, send e-mail, and log onto social media sites.
"While there is still work to be done in order to complete the cooperation agreement, we have made great progress with China Telecom Satellite towards providing this very important service to our airline customers and their passengers,” says Paul Margis, CEO of Panasonic Avionics. “We believe China Telecom Satellite will be a very strong and effective partner for China's in-flight communication market."
Panasonic Avionics has “an established track record and are proving to be strong provider of high-quality, in-flight communications services to both international and Chinese airlines,” says a China Telecom Satellite spokesperson.
Both parties are working to complete their formal contract over the coming weeks and plan to begin offering commercial in-flight connectivity services in the fourth quarter of 2013.
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