LAKE FOREST, California, June 23 /PRNewswire/ --
Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems, today announced that its Multiplexed Passenger Entertainment System (MPES) IFE system was installed on the 6,000th Boeing 737 to enter into service. The aircraft was delivered to International Lease Finance Corp and will be leased to Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA (Norwegian), the second largest airline in Scandinavia.
Panasonic MPES is a simple-to-operate, high performance overhead audio and video in-flight entertainment system for narrow body aircraft. It features a broad range of exciting entertainment options, including distributed audio and video, broadcast moving maps, and other entertainment content. In addition, the system has an advanced technology for superb sound quality.
The quality and simplicity of the Panasonic MPES product, in addition to the company's comprehensive customer support, were key factors in our selection of Panasonic Avionics Corporation, said Asgeir Nyseth, Chief Operating Officer at Norwegian Air Shuttle. Panasonic MPES will offer our passengers the latest advances in in-flight entertainment options, which is the perfect complement to Norwegian's business expansion model and flight schedule. We have strong confidence in the Panasonic brand to deliver the high quality experience our passengers expect.
We are pleased to participate in the delivery of the 6,000th Boeing 737 aircraft and continue our strong relationship with Norwegian Air Shuttle, said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer at Panasonic Avionics Corporation. As this latest delivery illustrates, we continue to enjoy success and growth in the European air transport market.
In addition to MPES, Panasonic also supplies DMPES (Digital Multiplexed Passenger Entertainment System) IFE system to Norwegian for its forty-five (45) B737-800 aircraft for delivery into service August 2009. DMPES uses the latest technology that incorporates the X Series' System Controller with Analog Audio Output (SC-A). With a 160-gigabyte media memory, the DMPES reduces space, weight and power when compared to traditional IFE systems, resulting in cost savings for airlines. Furthermore, Panasonic DMPES compact head-end volume saves room and is lighter in weight, improving aircraft fuel-efficiency.
Established in September 2002, Norwegian is one of Europe's leading low fare airlines with four domestic routes. In December 2003, Norwegian was listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The company has locations in Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Poland with 1,400 employees and offers a route network of 158 routes to 83 destinations.
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, reduced time-to-market and lower overall costs.
Established in 1979, Panasonic Avionics 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 3,100 employees and operations in 80 locations worldwide, it serves over 200 customers worldwide and provides IFEC systems on over 3,700 aircraft. For additional information, please visit www.panasonic.aero.
Theresa Yeoh of Panasonic Avionics Corporation, +1-949-462-1730, theresa.yeoh@panasonic.aero
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