Panasonic Avionics Corporation and Inmarsat have announced a strategic collaboration, for an initial ten-year period, that enables them to combine their services to offer broadband inflight connectivity (IFC) paired with high-value solutions and services to customers in the commercial aviation industry worldwide.
This collaboration will enable airlines, aircraft manufacturers and passengers to benefit from the combined expertise of the two companies. Under the terms of the agreement, Inmarsat will become Panasonic’s exclusive provider of Ka-band IFC for commercial aviation. Panasonic will now be able to offer Inmarsat’s high-speed, broadband connectivity service, GX Aviation. Panasonic will continue to invest in its own network and, with GX Aviation as a primary offering for new business, will be well positioned to serve both its current and future customers.
In addition, Inmarsat will now be able to offer Panasonic’s portfolio of services and NEXT solutions to Inmarsat’s commercial aviation customers. This includes customer support services available from Panasonic’s Customer Performance Center and Technical Services teams. The collaboration is already being deployed with an as-yet unnamed mutual customer.
Looking forward, Inmarsat and Panasonic will also collaborate on the development of a next generation GX Aviation terminal, as well as new connectivity-enabled services, data analytics and technology to improve overall end-to-end performance.
Hideo Nakano, Chief Executive Officer, Panasonic Avionics, said: “For over 10 years, Panasonic has remained steadfast in its commitment to the connected aircraft. Still, many airlines have more than one connectivity partner, and this strategic collaboration ensures that even more airlines have access to a wide variety of industry-leading digital solutions.
“By adding GX Aviation into our NEXT Online portfolio, we’re recognising the need for IFC consistency across multiple fleets, and enabling digital solutions and services with unified customer support. It’s really a win-win for customers. After all, there’s nothing quite like watching your favourite sporting event on the seatback, shopping for products that are relevant to your life and interests, or using apps that personalise your journey.”
Rupert Pearce, Chief Executive Officer, Inmarsat, commented: “Our highly complementary collaboration with Panasonic combines the unique expertise and proven capabilities of both companies to create a market-leading inflight connectivity offer for aircraft manufacturers, airlines and their passengers. IFC is a substantial and fast-emerging sector where the quality of customer experience is paramount. Reliable, high-quality IFC is no longer a luxury for passengers, but an expectation, and will play a vital role in securing an airline’s competitive position in a market.”
