Etihad Airways has selected Panasonic Avionics Corporation to provide in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity, including broadband and live television, for the airline’s entire fleet of long haul wide-body aircraft in a deal valued at around $1 billion.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive officer, and Paul Margis, Panasonic Avionics’ chief executive officer, signed the letter of intent signed a letter of intent for a 10-year agreement for flight entertainment and communications, which includes mobile phone services in conjunction with AeroMobile. The deal currently being finalised, which is valued at more than $1 billion at list prices, will include a full service maintenance contract.
Under the agreement, Etihad Airways will install Panasonic’s eX2 system on its new Airbus A380s, Boeing 787s, and Boeing 777-300Ers, and will use Panasonic’s eX3 solution for its new Airbus A350 aircraft. The deal also includes the installation of Panasonic’s Global Communications Suite, which provides in-flight broadband connectivity, mobile phone service and live television content, across Etihad Airways’ entire fleet of existing and to-be-delivered wide body aircraft.