Panasonic Avionics and China Telecom Satellite Communications Limited Partner to Connect the Skies Over China

July 25, 2013

Panasonic Avionics has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China Telecom Satellite Communications Limited (China Telecom Satellite) to jointly develop, implement and support in-flight connectivity solutions for the Chinese market.

The signing of the MOU will also make possible the first ever provision of in-flight connectivity to Panasonic's 36 non-Chinese customer airlines when flying into and over China.

Panasonic Avionics' eXConnect system uses its global Ku-band aeronautical satellite network to deliver in-flight broadband connectivity, enabling passengers to access the internet, send email or log onto their favorite social media sites.

Paul Margis, CEO of Panasonic Avionics, says: "While there is still work to be done in order to complete the cooperation agreement, we have made great progress with China Telecom Satellite towards providing this very important service to our airline customers and their passengers. We believe China Telecom Satellite will be a very strong and effective partner for China's in-flight communication market."

China Telecom Satellite stated: "We are very pleased to partner with Panasonic Avionics as they have an established track record and are a proving to be strong provider of high-quality in-flight communications services to both international and Chinese airlines."

Both parties are working to complete their formal contract over the coming weeks and plan to begin offering commercial in-flight connectivity services in the fourth quarter of 2013.