LAKE FOREST, Calif., March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems, was selected as a Mercury Award winner at the International Travel Catering Association (ITCA) 2010 Conference in Cologne, Germany.  Panasonic was chosen in the Inspirations category for FlightPath™, a conceptual interactive platform designed to engage passengers and drive the onboard food and beverage experience.

"We are always striving to enhance the onboard experience in creative new ways.  FlightPath elevates the passenger dining experience while enhancing revenue opportunities and improving workflow for the cabin crew," said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation.  "It is gratifying to have ITCA recognize our innovative approach to in-flight catering needs, particularly while FlightPath is still in the development stage."

FlightPath works with the aircraft's IFEC system to offer an event-driven, content-rich seatback environment, where the passenger's meal and beverage options are personalized, and presented within a visual in-flight timeline to the destination.  

Within FlightPath, passengers can take advantage of targeted advertising and shopping opportunities, either for in-flight, home, or at-gate delivery. In addition, passengers can engage with crew members, friends, and family using FlightPath's communication applications, for food pairing recommendations or even a virtual wine tasting event.

The passenger's interactive experience can be further extended to include tourist information, virtual shopping centers or even booking restaurant reservations all from 40,000 feet. FlightPath seamlessly integrates with applications to provide airlines a complete food, beverage and entertainment solution.  

The Mercury Award is the most prestigious award in travel catering worldwide.  Established in 1981, the Mercury Award has six categories, including: On Board Service, Food or Beverage, Equipment, Skills Development, Systems and Process Development and Inspiration. ITCA is a global association with more than 700 members, representing caterers as well as suppliers of products and equipment for airline, sea and rail operators.

About Panasonic Avionics Corporation

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world's leading supplier of in-flight entertainment 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, 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 (NYSE: PC). Headquartered in Lake Forest, California with over 2,600 employees and operations in 50 locations worldwide, it serves over 200 customers worldwide and provides IFEC systems on over 3,700 aircraft. For additional information, please visit www.panasonic.aero.

SOURCE Panasonic Avionics Corporation

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