Slim-Fit Connectivity - Panasonic Offers New Ultra Low Profile Aeronautical Antenna

Low-Profile Architecture Cuts Operational Expenses for Wi-Fi-Equipped Aircraft

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Sep 16, 2014, 01:36 ET

ANAHEIM, California, September 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

At the Airline Passenger Experience Association Expo, Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic) and Boeing Network and Space Systems (N&SS) today announced that, subject to terms, N&SS and Panasonic will develop a ground breaking broadband electronically steered phased array antenna for commercial airliners.

The N&SS and Panasonic-designed lightweight antenna, which will deliver Panasonic's eXConnect broadband in-flight Wi-Fi service, reduces fuel burn and emissions through a 65 percent reduction in operational weight and drag without compromising connection speed.

The new antenna will be available to the commercial aircraft market in 2016. In addition, Panasonic plans to offer the electronically steered antenna for a much broader range of narrow- and wide-body aircraft.

"For decades, Panasonic and Boeing have collaborated on cutting-edge innovations, and today we have introduced a solution that sets a new standard in antenna operating performance metrics. Airlines now have the best of both worlds -- a high-performance, broadband service for their passengers, and Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft that operate efficiently, saving airlines tens of thousands of dollars per year, per aircraft, in fuel," said Paul Margis, President and Chief Executive Officer for Panasonic Avionics. "Together with our single- and dual-panel antennas we now have a portfolio of solutions for all types of airline use cases."

Paul Geery, Vice President of C3 Solutions for Boeing Network & Space Systems, added that "Boeing has been designing and qualifying aeronautical phased array antennas for more than 30 years. We are delighted to provide Panasonic with this innovative solution, a low-profile phased array antenna that will have the lowest total drag and weight impact in the industry."

About Panasonic Avionics

Panasonic Avionics Corp. 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 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. Headquartered in Lake Forest, Calif., with more than 3,100 employees and operations in 80 locations worldwide, it serves more than 290 customers worldwide and provides in-flight entertainment and communication systems on approximately 6,000 aircraft. For additional information, please visit http://www.panasonic.aero.

About Boeing Network & Space Systems

Boeing Network & Space Systems is a unit of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 59,000 employees worldwide.

Contacts:
Brian Bardwell
Panasonic Avionics Corporation
Office: +1-949-462-1742
Mobile: +1-949-573-6833
[email protected]

Richard Esposito
Boeing Network & Space Systems
Office: +1-714-896-1900
Mobile: +1-714-287-3526
[email protected]

Charlie Hampton
Bell Pottinger
Office: +44(0)20-3772-2519
Mobile: +44(0)7884-187297
[email protected]