LAKE FOREST, Calif., June 15 /PRNewswire-Asia/ --
Panasonic Avionics Corporation (http://www.panasonic.aero ) (Panasonic), the world leader in state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems, today announced that Hong Kong Airlines has installed the industry-leading eX2 IFEC system cabin-wide in each of its new A330-200 aircraft. Hong Kong Airlines' eX2-equipped aircraft, which will be used for international routes, are the first in its fleet to offer multi-language audio and video on demand (AVOD) services, including movies, television programs, CDs, and soundtracks to passengers.
"Panasonic is honored that Hong Kong Airlines has selected eX2 for their new A330-200 aircraft," said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer for Panasonic. "This latest announcement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the Hong Kong travel market, and we look forward to working with Hong Kong Airlines on new, innovative IFEC solutions that deliver a superior entertainment solution for their passengers."
"Hong Kong Airlines' goal is to be the market leader in passenger satisfaction, and we chose eX2 because its innovative features, rich functionality, and robust performance create an in-flight entertainment experience that will engage and excite our passengers," said Yang Jian Hong, President, Hong Kong Express Airways Limited and Hong Kong Airlines Limited. "Offering an enhanced entertainment experience on our international flights enables us to further differentiate our brand and create greater customer loyalty for our airline in Hong Kong's rapidly growing transportation industry."
Mr. Wang Jian, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of HNA Group, noted, "As Hong Kong Airlines continues to expand its service to more international destinations, our goal will remain the same - to provide a best-in-class experience for our passengers. With eX2 installed in our A330-200 fleet, we can offer our passengers the most engaging in-flight entertainment available today."
Charles Ogilvie, Executive Director of China for Panasonic, added, "eX2 is an excellent choice for any airline that wants robust and flexible functionality, an enhanced passenger experience, improved flight crew effectiveness and efficiency, powerful branding and marketing opportunities, and ancillary revenue generation. Hong Kong Airlines' decision to install our system cabin-wide represents a very significant milestone for their long-haul routes, and we are excited to help them deliver compelling in-flight entertainment to their passengers."
Hong Kong Airlines' IFEC configuration uses touch-screen smart monitors and multifunction handsets to provide an exciting, interactive AVOD experience cabin-wide, at every seat. The first of the six A330-200 equipped with Panasonic's eX2 IFEC system will be in service June 2010. Initial international long-haul routes will be between Hong Kong and Moscow.
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 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 2,600 employees and operations in 50 locations worldwide, it serves over 200 customers worldwide and provides IFEC systems on over 3,700 aircraft. For additional information, please visit http://www.panasonic.aero.
