Panasonic Avionics, of Lake Forest, Calif., install its broadband Ku-Band connectivity system, eXConnect, on Japan Airlines’ (JAL) Boeing 777 fleet. In addition, the companies will continue to develop the timeline to expand broadband service to JAL’s entire long range fleet. JAL will be one of the first airlines to offer broadband internet service across the Pacific on its flights from Japan to North America and Europe, Panasonic said.
As part of the company’s Global Communications Suite, Panasonic’s eXConnect service provides two-way broadband connectivity to aircraft in flight. It supports Internet access, VPN real time television, data and the ability to monitor and transmit operational data in real time at speeds of up to 50 Mbps to the aircraft.
“The traveling public wants the option of staying connected and in communication with their work or families and friends on the ground even when they are onboard a flight,” said Hideo Ninomiya, Executive Officer of Route Marketing for Japan Airlines. “We are delighted to work with a reliable brand like Panasonic and are confident that the quality of their product would enable us to meet the needs and the expectations of our valued customers.”