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Panasonic Avionics Corporation: Panasonic Avionics to License eXport Solution for In-Flight iPod(R) and iPhone(TM) Usage

^{Published on 2009-10-05 08:16:21 - Market Wire}
 

PALM SPRINGS, CA--(Marketwire - October 5, 2009) - Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems, today announced that eXport, an innovative connectivity feature proprietary to the Panasonic eX2 system, will be available via licensing agreements to all IFEC vendors.

The eXport solution provides a single connection for all audio, video, power, and data communication between the iPod and IFEC system, eliminating the need for octopus cable previously used in the industry. The eXport solution helps enhance passengers' in-flight entertainment experience by integrating iPod personal portable players with Panasonic's eX2 IFEC system using an eXport Smart Cable. With this device, passengers can enjoy their own personal content on their iPod® or iPhone™ while in flight.

"Panasonic is a proven innovator in IFEC technology and our eXport technology delivers an enriched in-flight experience to iPod and iPhone users," said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation. "Having multiple industry standards for iPod integration does not benefit the flying public and we felt it was important to make eXport available to our competition. By licensing this solution, we have taken another step forward to establish eXport as an industry standard feature on aircraft."

Panasonic's eXport solution for iPod and iPhone has been exceptionally well received by airline customers and passengers alike since it was introduced last year. Nearly 4,500 seats equipped with the eXport solution were shipped in just under one year. The early adopters include Avianca, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International, and United Airlines.

As the only Made for iPod IFEC vendor in the commercial air transport industry, other IFEC vendors have expressed interest to Panasonic in licensing eXport for use with their IFEC systems.

Currently, Panasonic offers license agreements to avionics industry customers exclusively. In the future, the eXport technology may have applications to other markets in the travel industry.

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, reduced time-to-market 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 3,100 employees and operations in 80 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 ].