Panasonic Avionics Corporation Supplies eX2 IFEC Systems for Lufthansa's New Fleet of A380s

HAMBURG, Germany, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems, today announced that Lufthansa will deploy the Panasonic eX2 IFEC system on its flagship Airbus A380 aircraft.

Panasonic's eX2 IFEC system will provide Lufthansa's passengers – in every service class – with a full complement of entertainment and communication options at their fingertips.  The eX2 IFEC system will provide an enhanced passenger experience with access to a wide variety of audio and video on demand (AVOD) selections including the latest feature films in up to eight languages, TV series, international radio channels, CDs, games, flight and connecting gate information, all displayed on in-seat monitors. The user friendly interface gives passengers a choice of 10 different navigation languages. Power for personal electronic devices is available in first, business and economy class.

"As Lufthansa planned its new flagship aircraft, they aspired to offer best-in-class amenities and provide each passenger with a superior entertainment experience," said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation.  "We're proud to be a part of that.  By selecting our eX2 IFEC system for its A380 fleet, Lufthansa ensures all of its passengers will enjoy the most engaging content in the sky.

"This is a major step forward for both Lufthansa and Panasonic," Margis added.  "This sets a new standard for flight comfort, service and entertainment."

Lufthansa has ordered 15 of the Airbus A380 aircraft.  The aircraft will have 526 seats in three classes on two levels.  With four of the planes expected to be in service by the end of the year, initial routes will be between Frankfurt and the destination cities of Tokyo, Beijing and Johannesburg.

The inaugural commercial flight will leave Frankfurt June 11, en route to Tokyo.

About Lufthansa

One of the world's largest airlines, Lufthansa flies to some 194 destinations in 79 countries.  Together with its Star Alliance partners, Lufthansa offers connections to 975 destinations in more than 162 countries and access to over 805 lounges worldwide. Lufthansa operates one of the most extensive trans-Atlantic route networks, with 250 weekly flights from its 22 North American gateways. With 15 aircraft on order, Lufthansa is the largest European operator of the fuel-efficient Airbus A380. It is also the launch customer for the new Boeing 747-8, with first deliveries in 2010. Currently, Lufthansa has 170 aircraft worth more than $20 billion USD on order. For more information or reservations, visit www.lufthansa.com.

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