VIDEO: Panasonic gets radical with Fusion integrated seat

To the casual observer, Panasonic Avionics' new Fusion integrated seat might seem like just another seat with some sleek IFEC (really sleek...hello highly connected IFE with social networking like Twitter and FaceBook).

But Fusion is much more than that. It could pave the way for a sea change in how IFEC manufacturers, aircraft interiors specialists and seat makers do business - i.e. all the parties get together on a standard solution for the cabin before an airline even places its aircraft order. Sounds logical, huh?

While carriers that live and breath "cabin differentiation" might not be beating down Panasonic's doors for something standard, I wouldn't be surprised if a raft of low-cost carriers will.

And you can be sure they'll come knocking this week at the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA) conference and exhibition in Palm Springs. Check out what I and Flightblogger Jon Ostrower got to see today.