Panasonic Avionics announces milestone in multi-orbit satellite connectivity testing
LAKE FOREST, Calif. - Panasonic Avionics Corporation in Lake Forest, Calif., announced the completion of a significant phase of flight testing for its multi-orbit satellite connectivity system, validating seamless switching between low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) networks during live in-flight scenarios.
The testing, part of the company’s broader flight test program, marks a significant step toward commercial deployment of its in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solution. Conducted across a range of environmental conditions and geographic regions, including the Arctic and equatorial zones, the trials demonstrated uninterrupted global coverage and the resilience of LEO signals in extreme conditions.
"This is a major milestone and one which demonstrates its readiness for commercial use," said John Wade, Vice President of Connectivity at Panasonic Avionics. "Working in close collaboration with our LEO provider Eutelsat OneWeb, our GEO satellite operators, and our antenna supplier SBS, we are focused on taking in-flight connectivity to new heights."
The company’s network architecture features an enterprise-grade LEO layer, provided by Eutelsat OneWeb, known for its high bandwidth and low latency, and a flexible GEO layer that can allocate capacity according to airline needs. The dual-layer system aims to deliver consistent, high-speed connectivity, even in remote and high-traffic regions.
Tests simulated real passenger use cases such as social media browsing, streaming 4K video, and video conferencing using enterprise collaboration tools. Results showed forward link speeds reaching 193 Mbps and return link speeds of 36 Mbps.
Panasonic Avionics also conducted antenna and network performance evaluations, confirming the LEO network’s ability to deliver low-latency service consistently.
The company says this hybrid connectivity model will enhance the passenger experience by providing reliable and fast internet access comparable to what users experience at home.
