Unleashing a New Era of Connectivity: Panasonic Avionics Amplifies Its GEO Satellite Network
50% Satellite Capacity Increase Supports Higher Speed Internet Services
Panasonic Avionics Enhances Global Connectivity Network
With a commitment to delivering superior in-flight internet connections, Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic Avionics) announces a substantial expansion of its global connectivity network. The expansion incorporates added and broadened GEO (geostationary) Ku-band satellite capacity. This will significantly improve the speed and reliability of in-flight internet connections for airlines and passengers.
Increased Satellite Coverage
As a globally recognized provider of in-flight entertainment and communication systems, Panasonic Avionics is widening its connectivity network by adding new HTS (High Throughput Satellites) and XTS™ (Extreme Throughput Satellites). These additions will bolster coverage over North, Central, and South America, Europe, the Middle East, the Arabian Sea, Africa, and the Indian Ocean. The satellites will also cover both the North and South Atlantic Ocean.
Expanded Capabilities in Asia
Panasonic Avionics also extends its reach in Asia by introducing additional HTS capacity over China and Japan. This further develops their ongoing investment in connectivity in this region.
Improvement Highlights
- Increased Capacity: A substantial 50% global capacity increase, fortifying reliable and fast internet services.
- Accelerated Speeds: Astonishing speeds of up to 75 Mbps per aircraft through HTS and up to 200 Mbps through XTS satellites.
- Broadened Reach: Comprehensive network coverage across continents and oceans, enhancing connectivity for both domestic and international travelers.
- Strategic Deployment: A well-planned phased deployment is underway, with expected completion by the end of 2023.
- Benefits All Customers: Instant and automatic enhancements that will benefit all existing and future customers with no need for changes to hardware or software.
Executive Perspective
John Wade, Vice President of Panasonic Avionics’ In-flight Connectivity Business Unit, says:
“For the past few years, we have seen exponential growth in the adoption of in-flight connectivity. Passengers want faster internet speeds for traditional services like email, web browsing, social media and messaging, and they are increasingly looking to stream content, play games inflight, and use collaborative cloud-based applications. This major expansion of our global connectivity network will ensure that Panasonic Avionics consistently exceeds the growing demand for these kinds of enhanced in-flight experiences.
“Given our unique approach to satellite capacity, and with our multi-layered, multi-orbit connectivity network, Panasonic Avionics has the unique ability to leverage a wide range of different, industry leading satellites, rather than the high-risk approach of relying solely on proprietary satellite technology. This enables Panasonic Avionics to add new capacity quickly and easily when and where it’s needed, ensuring we can deliver an advanced and virtually uninterrupted service. The result is a better experience for passengers and higher Net Promoter Scores (NPS) for airlines.”
This network expansion exemplifies Panasonic Avionics’ dedication to customer-driven innovation and continuous improvement. The company is adept at quickly pivoting in response to evolving market needs.
Trailblazing Multi-orbit Connectivity Services
Underscoring their commitment, Panasonic Avionics is poised to launch multi-orbit connectivity services. This groundbreaking approach incorporates an electrically steered antenna (ESA) capable of accessing a combination of GEO and LEO (low earth orbit) satellites.
Over 70 of the world’s leading airlines have chosen Panasonic Avionics’ in-flight connectivity services.
About Panasonic Avionics Corporation
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world’s leading in-flight entertainment and communication systems supplier. The company pioneered the industry beginning in 1979. Since then, Panasonic has consistently introduced innovations that enable unique customer experiences and enhance airline loyalty, ancillary revenue, and operational efficiency.
Over 200 leading airlines worldwide have chosen to install Panasonic Avionics IFE, satellite Wi-Fi connectivity, and digital services on their aircraft. Panasonic Avionics’ proven systems are supported by the largest global support and services team utilizing OEM insights to ensure peak system performance.
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is headquartered in California with over 3,500 employees and operates in 50 locations around the globe.
For additional information, visit www.panasonic.aero