Panasonic Avionics Corporation to Equip Turkish Airlines With In-Flight Entertainment and In-Flight Connectivity System

LAKE FOREST, Calif., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), a world leading in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) solutions provider and AeroMobile, Panasonic's chosen in-flight mobile technology supplier, today announced that they have been selected by Turkish Airlines, a Star Alliance Member, to supply the carrier with Panasonic's eX2 In-Flight Entertainment and Global Communications Suite product.

Panasonic offers airlines complete, integrated solutions for in-flight entertainment and connectivity. With the installation of Panasonic's advanced eX2 In-Flight Entertainment and Global Communications Suite, Turkish Airlines' passengers will have a full complement of in-flight entertainment and communication options available at their fingertips. Passengers will be able to choose from a large selection of movies, television programs, music and advanced applications including:

• eXConnect: Global, true broadband connectivity to support a wide range of passenger and crew applications, such as internet access, corporate VPN, voice, data, and the ability to monitor and transmit airline operational data in real time
• eXPhone: Award-winning in-flight mobile phone service to make voice calls, send SMS text messages, or utilize data services in-flight, virtually anywhere in the world
• The Panasonic Airborne Television Network: A proprietary, dedicated network broadcasting live news, sports, financial information and special events

Panasonic's eX2 and Global Communications Suite solutions are being fitted on the airline's fleet of 12 Boeing 777-300ERs and 10 Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The first aircraft is due to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Temel Kotil, President and Chief Executive Officer of Turkish Airlines, said, "We are delighted to be bringing the latest, state-of-the-art technology to our customers. Panasonic's eX2 and Global Communications Suite will give us the ability tailor our passengers' experiences with live broadcast TV, Wi-Fi access for laptops and PDAs, as well as the use of mobile phones."

Since 2007 the in-flight mobile connectivity technology has been exceptionally well-received. Over one million airline passengers have now used AeroMobile services since inception. On some flights, passenger adoption rates are exceeding 40%.  

"We are extremely pleased with Turkish Airlines' selection of Panasonic's eX2 and Global Communications Suite system for their aircraft," said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation. "With this decision, Turkish Airlines will be a leader in offering its passengers an integrated in-flight entertainment and communication system that truly raises the bar for in-flight experiences.   We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the start of 2010 than to proudly announce Turkish Airlines as our newest customer for in-flight entertainment, connectivity and mobile phone services."

Bjorn-Taale Sandberg, Chief Executive Officer of AeroMobile, said, "We are delighted to have been chosen by Turkish Airlines as a key provider in the modernisation of their fleet. This selection once again underlines that AeroMobile is the supplier of choice for the flag-carrying airlines of the world, and demonstrates the versatility and flexibility of our technology in being able to operate over Panasonic's Ku band system."

In 2008, Panasonic and AeroMobile won the "Best Achievement in Technology 2008" award for eXPhone from the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA).

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

About AeroMobile

AeroMobile Communications Limited is a UK-based company, wholly owned by Telenor Group, the world's 7th largest telecoms company. AeroMobile has offices in the UK, Oslo, Seattle, Dubai and Singapore.

AeroMobile provides world class, proven, technology and services that allow the safe and managed use of passengers own mobile phones and PDAs in-flight.

AeroMobile was first operated on a commercial air transport aircraft in June 2005 on Boeing's 777-200LR 'Worldliner' demonstrator aircraft. AeroMobile was subsequently trialled by Qantas on over 1,000 domestic Australian flights in 2007. The SMS and GPRS based trial on Qantas represented the first time in aviation history that in-flight cellular services were offered in full commercial service. A commitment from Qantas to install AeroMobile across their domestic fleet followed the trial.

The AeroMobile system is uniquely able to operate over existing and future Inmarsat satellite communication systems as well as Panasonic's multi MB eXConnect Ku band satellite solution. Airline commitments span all technologies.

The AeroMobile system is in operation today with Emirates Airline and Malaysian Airlines, and has been ordered by Lufthansa, V Australia, Qantas and Turkish Airlines. More information may be found at www.aeromobile.net

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SOURCE Panasonic Avionics Corporation