Sichuan Airlines Elevates Passenger Experience With Installation of Panasonic Avionics Corporation's eX2 IFEC System on A330 Wide-body Aircraft in China

LAKE FOREST, Calif., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems, today announced that its eX2 in-flight entertainment and communications (IFEC) system was installed cabin-wide on Sichuan Airlines' new A330 aircraft to enter into service on 09 February 2010.

A significant milestone for both Panasonic and Sichuan Airlines, the eX2 equipped A330 aircraft is the airline's first audio and video on demand (AVOD)-equipped aircraft. At the same time, Sichuan Airlines is the first Panasonic customer in mainland China to adopt the eX2 system cabin-wide onboard. The addition of Panasonic's eX2 IFEC system cabin-wide positions Sichuan Airlines as an innovator in the Chinese market with strategic, long-term vision for their IFEC strategy, and provides its passengers with a superior travel experience.

The Panasonic eX2 IFEC system provides an exciting, interactive experience cabin-wide with AVOD at every seat. Sichuan Airlines will have the ability to offer the ultimate experience and interactive entertainment on this platform. Panasonic's eX2 IFEC system was developed based on extensive research and market trends, and can be customized for immediate results and optimized for long-term value to the airline and its passengers.

"Panasonic Avionics is proud to welcome Sichuan Airlines as a new customer," said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer for Panasonic Avionics Corporation. "With the eX2 system, Sichuan Airlines is breaking new ground and taking their commitment to providing a superior passenger experience to the next level by offering unprecedented options for China's air travelers to enjoy in-flight entertainment."

Sichuan Airlines, headquartered in Chengdu, Sichuan in the People's Republic of China, operates over 51 aircraft to 50 destinations across the globe. Based at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport and Kunming Wujiaba International Airport, Sichuan Airlines has the largest Airbus fleet in southwestern China.

"Sichuan Airlines' decision to install eX2 in-flight entertainment cabin-wide represents a very significant and innovative milestone for China, and makes them an important airline to watch due to their desire to provide passengers with the latest IFEC interactive experiences the market has to offer," said Charles Ogilvie, Executive Director of China for Panasonic Avionics Corporation. "Sichuan Airline's pioneering spirit sets the stage for the company's long-term vision for customer satisfaction and growth opportunities in the region. Panasonic is committed to serving the Chinese travel market and we're honored to be working with Sichuan Airlines."

"We chose the Panasonic eX2 system because it has the most innovative features and the richest functionality that will engage and excite our passengers," said Lan Xinguo, Chairman for Sichuan Airlines. "By being the first to install eX2 in mainland China, Sichuan Airlines will certainly differentiate our brand in China's rapidly growing transportation industry. We aim to lead our market with passenger satisfaction, and expect that the addition of Panasonic's eX2 system will create greater customer loyalty for our airline."

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, reduced time-to-market 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.

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SOURCE Panasonic Avionics Corporation