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Etihad Airways Selects Panasonic's eX2 for A330 and B777 Aircraft and Turnkey Maintenance

^{Published on 2009-11-17 06:18:47 - Market Wire}
 

LAKE FOREST, CA--(Marketwire - November 17, 2009) - Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems, announced today at the Dubai Airshow the signing of an agreement with Etihad Airways (Etihad) for 10 B777-300ER, 5 A330-300, and 2 A330-200 aircraft to be equipped with Panasonic's leading eX2 IFEC system as well as an agreement for a 7-year turnkey service maintenance contract. The first aircraft delivery is expected in December 2009.

Etihad's eX2 system will feature over 80 movies, 100 Television shows, 60 games, and 500 audio CDs as well as many applications designed to give passengers a superior in-flight entertainment and communications experience including:

 -- An animated, Flash™-based game portal including 60 exciting games -- Picture-in-picture for richer interactive experience -- Keyword search within the extensive content listings -- Quick access user interface -- Passenger surveys -- Airport Connecting Gate Information -- Room Service hospitality -- In-seat Telephony -- and more 

Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation, said: "We are extremely proud that Etihad has chosen to extend its relationship with Panasonic to include 17 more aircraft. We constantly strive to provide solutions that not only delight Etihad's passengers, but provide key elements of Etihad's business strategy."

James Hogan, Chief Executive of Etihad Airways, said: "As a long haul premium carrier -- and the world's leading airline -- whatever we offer our passengers has to be the best in class."

"Our customers tell us that in-flight entertainment is a critical part of their enjoyment onboard, so we looked long and hard at the options available to make sure we selected the most modern, user-friendly system. The Panasonic eX2 allows us the flexibility to tailor features and provide our passengers with a more individual in-flight entertainment experience."

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 ].