Panasonic Avionics and Intellian unveil LEO terminal for next-gen in-flight connectivity
Summary points:
- Panasonic Avionics in Irvine, Calif., and Intellian Technologies in South Korea introduced a new LEO-only aviation terminal system for Eutelsat's OneWeb network.
- The terminal integrates antenna, modem, and controller in a no-radome design, reducing weight and cost while maintaining performance.
- It delivers up to 195 Mbps with less than 100 milliseconds of latency for high-bandwidth in-flight applications.
IRVINE, Calif. - Panasonic Avionics Corporation in Irvine, Calif., and Intellian Technologies, a provider of satellite communication antennas in South Korea, have announced a new high-performance, low earth orbit (LEO)-only terminal system designed to connect to Eutelsat's OneWeb LEO network.
The new system features Intellian's aviation antenna with a fully integrated modem and controller in a streamlined design that eliminates the need for a radome. Built on advances in electronically steered array (ESA) technology, the terminal reduces weight, complexity, and cost while maintaining high performance and ease of installation. Panasonic Avionics said the system will deliver connectivity speeds of up to 195 Mbps with latency below 100 milliseconds, enabling passengers to access high-bandwidth applications and real-time communications during flight.
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Eric Sung, CEO of Intellian Technologies, said, "Together, we are introducing a solution that will redefine in-flight connectivity, combining our proven expertise with Panasonic's leadership to deliver unmatched value and performance for airlines worldwide. Entering the aviation sector with Panasonic marks a natural and strategic extension of our portfolio."
The LEO-only terminal will be available for retrofit installations beginning in late 2026 and is designed to minimize aircraft downtime, with installation possible overnight. The modular design allows airlines to upgrade core components as technology and network capabilities advance, as well as support simultaneous multi-constellation operation when paired with Panasonic's existing in-flight connectivity offerings.
The LEO-only terminal is less than half the weight of typical multi-orbit and GEO systems, helping airlines lower fuel burn and support sustainability initiatives. In addition, the solution integrates with Panasonic Avionics' Wi-Fi Portal Studio and Wi-Fi Reporting tools, offering carriers more control over service delivery. Airlines will also be able to leverage Panasonic's Wi-Fi roaming agreements and OneMedia advertising platform to reduce costs, expand adoption, and enable new passenger services such as free in-flight connectivity.
Jamie Whitney
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