Panasonic Avionics on Thursday signed an agreement with China Telecom Satellite Communications (China Telecom Satellite) to support in-flight connectivity in the dynamic and growing Chinese market.
The signing of the memorandum of understanding will make possible the first ever provision of in-flight connectivity to Panasonic’s 36 non-Chinese customer airlines when flying into and over China.
"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," said Paul Margis, CEO of Panasonic Avionics.
Chinese carriers will be able to launch in-flight connectivity with Panasonic’s eXConnect in-flight broadband connectivity, which uses the company’s global Ku-band aeronautical network to bring global broadband connectivity to airlines.
Panasonic expects to complete the contract with China Telecom "over the coming weeks," and looks to begin offering in-flight connectivity service in China by the fourth quarter 2013.