China Eastern Commits to 84 Aircraft Deal with Panasonic Avionics

LAKE FOREST, California, July 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

China Eastern Airlines has increased its commitment to Panasonic Avionics (Panasonic) for global broadband connectivity services to 84 total aircraft.

The leading Chinese carrier, which, in partnership with China Telecom Satellite, was the first to offer broadband Wi-Fi connectivity on flights over Chinese airspace, and this agreement strengthens its long-term relationship with Panasonic.

The extended agreement - following the announcement of 20 Boeing 777-300ERs last November - includes 35 line-fit aircraft with an extensive retrofit program covering an additional 49 aircraft.

Aircraft types included in the agreement are:

• One B737-800 (retrofit)
• Four B767-300 (retrofit)
• Two B767-300ER (retrofit)
• 20 B777-300 (line-fit)
• 31 A330-200 (retrofit)
• 11 A330-300 (retrofit)
• 15 A330-300 (line-fit)

Panasonic's Global Communications Services are available across China and on over 99.6 per cent of all air traffic routes. It is the only global, broadband inflight connectivity service operating in every country in the world today and will enable China Eastern passengers to access the Internet, use email and log onto their favourite social media sites while on board.

Paul Margis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation, says: "We have been helping China Eastern Airlines offer connected flights since November 2015 and remain the only provider operating over China today. Passengers increasingly expect the availability of reliable broadband Wi-Fi around the world and the roll out of this service across the China Eastern fleet will enable it to provide a connected service for its passengers."

Zhang Chi, Deputy Director of China Eastern Airlines' Transformation Office says: "China Eastern Airlines is committed to transforming the inflight experience for our passengers. We are constantly working with partners to discover new ways to engage passengers and to maximise the benefits of the connected aircraft. We look forward to the continued development of this extremely exciting service with the team at Panasonic Avionics."

Panasonic Avionics' eXConnect uses the company's global Ku-band satellite network to deliver broadband connectivity to aircraft flying all over the world - even over oceans. 

About Panasonic Avionics Corporation 

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world's leading supplier of inflight entertainment and communication systems. The company's best-in-class solutions, supported by professional maintenance services, fully integrate with the cabin enabling its customers 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. Headquartered in Lake Forest, California with over 4,400 employees and operations in 80 global locations, it has delivered over 8,000 IFE systems and 1,000 inflight connectivity solutions to the world's leading airlines. For additional information, please visit http://www.panasonic.aero

SOURCE Panasonic Avionics