BEIJING, SHANGHAI and LAKE FOREST, California, July 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In a first for the commercial aviation industry in China, China Eastern Airlines (CEA) has begun offering broadband connected flights over China using China Telecom Satellite aeronautical service and Panasonic Avionics Corporation's (Panasonic) eXConnect system.
The first of 27 CEA aircraft equipped with a system and service tailored to the unique requirements of China is an Airbus A330 aircraft. Onboard, passengers will experience true broadband Wi-Fi as they surf the web, keep in touch with friends and family through their social networks, and even check their email - all at 35,000 feet. CEA has also selected China Telecom Satellite's service and Panasonic's eXConnect system for an additional six B767s and 20 B777 aircraft.
The first aircraft has been dedicated to routes between Shanghai and Beijing, allowing government agencies to observe operation of the service before granting full regulatory approval for operation on additional domestic and international routes.
China Eastern Airlines said, "We are very excited to offer this extremely exciting service with China Telecom Satellite and Panasonic Avionics. This is a tremendous milestone for China and we look forward to ensuring our passengers are both entertained and productive as they fly."
Lv Junli, President of China Telecom Satellite added, "This is a momentous day for China's commercial airline industry, and we are very confident of providing better broadband connectivity to China with our partners at China Eastern Airlines and Panasonic."
According to Paul Margis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics, "After years of close collaboration with China Eastern Airlines and China Telecom Satellite, we are now witnessing the next step in the evolution of in-flight entertainment over China. We are very excited to bring in-flight broadband Wi-Fi to this strategic market."
Press Contacts
Brian Bardwell
Panasonic Avionics Corporation
Tel: +1-949-462-1742
E-Mail: Brian.Bardwell@panasonic.aero
Emma Ballantine Dykes
Bell Pottinger
Tel: +44-207-861-2435
E-Mail: edykes@bell-pottinger.com
