PANASONIC AVIONICS EXPANDS GLOBAL GROUND HANDLING NETWORK TO 14 LOCATIONS

- Panasonic Technical Services becomes first MRO Line Maintenance provider at Western Sydney International airport as aircraft line maintenance footprint grows -

AMSTERDAM, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic Avionics), a global provider of in-flight engagement and connectivity (IFEC) solutions, today announced that Panasonic Technical Services (PTS) has expanded its global Technical Ground Handling network to 14 locations, strengthening its full-aircraft line maintenance capabilities.

The latest expansion is at Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), where, according to WSI, PTS is the first maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider to establish onsite operations. The new capability extends PTS' Technical Ground Handling presence across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, supporting airline customers as their networks grow across established aviation hubs and emerging markets.

PTS' Technical Ground Handling services include Transit, ETOPS, Daily and Weekly checks, subject to applicable regulatory approvals, aircraft authorizations and location-specific capabilities. These services enable airlines to access broader aircraft maintenance support through Panasonic Avionics' global technical services infrastructure. The offering builds on PTS' established IFEC line maintenance expertise as the company marks the 30th anniversary of providing technical services, reflecting three decades of support for airline operations worldwide.

Tom Eskola, Vice President, Panasonic Technical Services at Panasonic Avionics, said: "Our airline customers need technical support that can grow with their networks, and reaching 14 Technical Ground Handling locations across three continents reflects how Panasonic Technical Services is evolving to meet that demand.

"Western Sydney International is a strong example of this model in action. We were the first MRO provider to establish onsite operations, giving our customers access to aircraft maintenance from the airport's earliest stages. By combining a local presence with the scale, expertise and consistency of services delivered across our network, we can support airlines at locations around the world."

PTS established its Technical Ground Handling presence at WSI from the airport's opening stages to support Qantas Freight's Airbus A330 and A321 operations. Establishing the operation required recruiting and training personnel, obtaining the applicable CASA Part 145 and other required operating approvals within their authorized scope, arranging airport access, and putting the necessary tooling, equipment and operational processes in place.

The WSI operation is designed to be scalable, supporting authorized airline requirements while providing a foundation for future growth as activity at Australia's newest international gateway develops. It forms part of PTS' wider Technical Ground Handling footprint, which also includes capability at London Heathrow and operations in Seattle, where PTS began supporting China Airlines' Boeing 777 services in September 2026.

As of the date of this announcement, PTS brings 30 years of maintenance experience to its Technical Ground Handling offering, and its wider global network encompasses almost 50 line maintenance stations and eight repair stations, each operating within its applicable approvals and capabilities. Its expanding ground handling footprint builds on that existing infrastructure, extending PTS' expertise beyond IFEC maintenance into broader aircraft line maintenance support.

About Panasonic Avionics Corporation
Panasonic Avionics Corporation supplies in-flight engagement, satellite Wi-Fi connectivity and digital solutions to airlines worldwide. Since 1979, the company has developed products and services intended to support passenger experience, airline operations and system performance. Panasonic Avionics is headquartered in Irvine, California and supports customers through a global network of employees and service locations.

Over 200 leading airlines across the world have chosen to install Panasonic Avionics in-flight engagement, satellite Wi-Fi connectivity, and digital solutions on their aircraft. Panasonic Avionics' proven systems are supported by a global support and services team utilizing OEM insights to ensure peak system performance. Using these unique products and services, airlines can seamlessly access up to 1,000 PEMs (passenger engagement minutes) only available in-flight and unlock new tailored, data-driven experiences that enhance passenger satisfaction.

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is headquartered in Irvine, California with over 3,300 employees and operates in almost 50 locations around the globe.

For additional information, please visit www.panasonic.aero

SOURCE Panasonic Corporation of North America