Panasonic Avionics Corporation's Integrated Smart Monitor Named Crystal Cabin Award Winner

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May 18, 2010, 05:52 ET

HAMBURG, Germany, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems, received a Crystal Cabin award yesterday at the annual Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany.

Panasonic was honored in the industrial design category for its Integrated Smart Monitor. The Integrated Smart Monitor was born of a groundbreaking collaboration with Weber Aircraft and Teague to produce the industry's first fully integrated IFE seat solution.

"When we started this project, we wanted to address the full realm of challenges with bolt-on IFEC solutions," said Marshal H. Perlman, Director, Product Management of Panasonic Avionics Corporation. "To do that, we knew we needed to work together to create an entirely new concept. The Crystal Cabin Award validates our efforts and publicly demonstrates how collaboration can revolutionize both design and function."

The vision was to create an integrated product that would decrease costs, reduce complexity and create a premium entertainment experience for travelers. The result was an IFE seat solution that seamlessly integrates Panasonic's next-generation, touch-screen IFE monitor with an ultra-thin, lightweight economy seat for an unprecedented level of class and comfort.

It is significantly lighter than other solutions, offers improved reliability, and a home theater entertainment experience to airline passengers while streamlining the aircraft manufacturing process with fewer parts.

"Starting with R&D and at every step of the seat design, Weber ensures the IFE integrates in a way that creates the most living space while minimizing the impact to the overall seat weight. We've taken cooperation a step further," said Jean-Marie Daout, Senior Director, Business Development of Weber.

Sebastian Petry, Design Director of Teague, noted, " This is a collaborative solution that allows airlines to offer a personal entertainment space, closer to the home entertainment experience. It will help make travel a better lifestyle experience."

"Regardless of the capabilities of any IFEC system, weight, space and power draw are issues that loom large in the airline industry," said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation. "Working together with Weber and Teague, we made considerable progress in changing the profile of our IFEC systems. But we can't rest on our laurels. We are dedicated to leading the industry with innovations in both function and footprint."

The Crystal Cabin Award is the only international award for excellence in aircraft interior innovation. The award is donated by the Senate of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Germany, and is intended to recognize significant improvements in passenger comfort. Entrants are judged on unique features, market compatibility, aesthetics, engineering, usability and economics. The award, established in 2007, has been presented annually at the Aircraft Interiors Expo.

About Panasonic Avionics Corporation

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world's leading supplier of in-flight entertainment and communication systems. The company's best-in-class solutions, supported by professional maintenance services, fully integrate with the cabin enabling airlines to deliver the ultimate travel experiences with a rich variety of entertainment choices, resulting in improved quality communication systems and solutions, and lower overall costs.

Established in 1979, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, a U.S. corporation, is a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC). Headquartered in Lake Forest, California with over 2,600 employees and operations in 50 locations worldwide, it serves over 200 customers worldwide and provides IFEC systems on over 3,700 aircraft. For additional information, please visit www.panasonic.aero.

SOURCE Panasonic Avionics Corporation