Panasonic Avionics Corporation Leases a Full Transponder of Ku-Band Satellite Capacity From Australian Satellite Communications

HAMBURG, Germany, April 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in in-flight entertainment and communications (IFEC), today announced it has completed commercial agreement and is now ready to enter into service with Australian Satellite Communications (ASC) with a full transponder of capacity on the Eutelsat 172A satellite pending imminent regulatory approval. Under terms of the agreement, Panasonic will use the capacity on the satellite's South Pacific Beam and the uplinking and downlinking of the services will be from ASC's teleport in Adelaide.

This significant increase in bandwidth requirements expands Panasonic's previous leasing agreements with Australian Satellite Communications for capacity for airline routes over Australia and New Zealand, and for trans-Tasman flights.

"We are very excited to build upon our good relationship with Australian Satellite Communications and provide even more capacity for our Global Communications Service," said David Bruner, Vice President of Panasonic Avionics Corporation's Global Communications Service. "This milestone highlights our unique ability to add capacity and coverage to key areas around the globe to ensure the best possible performance and lowest possible cost for our airline customers. It also ensures seamless delivery of our eXTV service in the South Pacific region, which includes live programming such as news and the world's most popular sporting events with Sport 24."

"We are very pleased that Panasonic Avionics Corporation has expanded its commitment with ASC for its in-flight broadband services. We take great pride in delivering high-quality services from our teleport in Adelaide to meet the stringent requirements for sophisticated in-flight communication and entertainment, as required by Panasonic," said Mark Borgas, General Manager of ASC.

Panasonic's Global Communications Service includes eXConnect, eXPhone and eXTV. eXConnect provides two-way broadband connectivity supporting a wide range of passenger and crew applications, including Internet access, voice, data, and the ability to monitor and transmit airline operational data in real time at speeds of up to 50 Mbps to the aircraft.  

eXPhone, offered in collaboration with AeroMobile's award winning in-flight  mobile phone technology means that at 35,000 ft, passengers can stay in touch with loved ones,  keep up to date and on top of work just as if they were on the ground. In an increasingly connected world, eXPhone allows passengers to use their mobile, Smartphone or BlackBerry to call, text, email, and browse and use their applications throughout the flight. With nothing for customers to do except turning on their devices, eXPhone mobile data also works with GSM-enabled tablets and laptops.

Panasonic's eXTV television network delivers high-quality, television programming to passengers during their flight. It provides live, uninterrupted content to aircraft flying all over the world, even over oceans. The service offers several global channels as well as regional channels.

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. Headquartered in Lake Forest, California with over 3,100 employees and operations in 80 locations worldwide, it serves over 200 customers worldwide and provides IFEC systems on over 3,700 aircraft. For additional information, please visit http://www.panasonic.aero.

About Australian Satellite Communications

Australian Satellite Communications (ASC) provides a wide range of satellite communications solutions throughout Australia and surrounding regions. Since its establishment in 1985, ASC has steadily grown to become recognized in the industry as a leading satellite communications service provider, system integrator and supplier of satellite communications equipment, boasting an impressive portfolio of multinational clients.  ASC provides total satellite communications solutions, focusing on the mining and oil & gas industries, as well as markets such as construction, government, maritime, education, and emergency services. ASC is a SpeedCast Group Company. For additional information, please visit http://www.ascs.com.au.

Press Contacts:
Brian Bardwell
Panasonic Avionics Corporation
Telephone: +1-949-462-1742
Email: [email protected]

Paul Krzystoszek
Australian Satellite Communications
Telephone: +61-8-8443-9844
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Panasonic Avionics Corporation