Panasonic takes IFC space on SkyPerfect
November 6, 2023
By Chris Forrester
Panasonic’s Aero division has leased Gb/s Ku-band capacity for its In-Flight Communications (IFC) broadband service on SkyPerfect/Jsat’s SuperBird-9 satellite. The satellite isn’t scheduled to launch before H1 2027.
The move is the latest in a fast-expanding series of announcements from Panasonic Avionics. Recent weeks have seen deals and orders negotiated with operators serving North, Central and South America, the North and South Atlantic Ocean, Europe, the Middle East, Arabian Sea, Africa, and the Indian Ocean. Panasonic Avionics is also expanding its current capabilities by introducing additional High Throughput Satellite capacity over China and Japan, building on existing connectivity investments in this region.
John Wade, VP/Panasonic Avionics’ In-flight Connectivity Business Unit, speaking in August, said: “For the past few years, we have seen exponential growth in the adoption of in-flight connectivity. Passengers want faster internet speeds for traditional services like email, web browsing, social media and messaging, and they are increasingly looking to stream content, play games inflight, and use collaborative cloud-based applications. This major expansion of our global connectivity network will ensure that Panasonic Avionics consistently exceeds the growing demand for these kinds of enhanced in-flight experiences.”
Amongst the airlines using Panasonic are Singapore Airlines, Saudia and United Airlines. Panasonic says that 2.7 billion airline passengers are using its services every year. It has its equipment installed on 2544 aircraft in service.