Systems Will Be Maintained By SIA Engineering Company

Panasonic Avionics Corporation announced Tuesday  that Shanghai Airlines' passengers flying aboard ten  A321 aircraft have had access to the Panasonic eFX in-flight entertainment (IFE) system from the comfort of their seats since July. The announcement came at the Aircraft Interiors Expo Asian Aerospace in Hong Kong, China. This IFE system offers audio and video on demand (AVOD), games, and other entertainment options.

The Panasonic IFE platform flying on Shanghai Airlines is a fully-digital IFE system with an open architecture to provide for maximum performance. Panasonic says Shanghai Airlines can add advanced functionality to the system as its long-term strategy evolves.

Shanghai Airlines chose Panasonic because of its ability to offer a comprehensive in-flight entertainment solution, and its proven success in the industry.

"After great analysis and discussion, we decided the Panasonic system was the right one for us," said Xiaoyun Shao, Senior Vice President at Shanghai Airlines. "We look forward to continued cooperation with Panasonic and future success. With eFX, Shanghai Airlines will be able to provide high quality entertainment and make passengers feel more satisfied."

"Shanghai Airlines' decision to install on-demand, in-seat in-flight entertainment on narrow-body aircraft represents a very significant innovative step in China," said Charles Ogilvie, Executive Director of China for Panasonic Avionics Corporation. "Panasonic is committed to the Chinese market, and we're proud to be working with Shanghai Airlines."

Meantime Panasonic Avionics has signed an agreement with the SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) for maintenance services. Panasonic is providing IFEC maintenance services for the entire Singapore Airlines fleet over 10 years. Under the agreement, Panasonic will work in conjunction with SIAEC to provide a “one-stop-shop” solution covering all on-aircraft labor, logistics, spares, repairs, and media loading. Panasonic’s Total Care Packages provide total support for the IFE systems, ensuring the highest performance and best experience for passengers and crews.

FMI: www.panasonic.aero