Panasonic has finally given us the name of another customer for its global communications suite (GCS), and it's a good one!
Turkish Airlines will equip its new Boeing 777-300ERs and Airbus A330-300s with the full suite, comprising Ku-band satellite-based 'eXConnect' high-speed Internet, mobile phone connectivity and live television (a proprietary broadcast TV distribution network).
The carrier is also fitting the long-haul aircraft with Panasonic's eX2 in-flight entertainment system.
The news follows an announcement late last year that Lufthansa has partnered with Panasonic to reignite its FlyNet in-flight Internet service via eXConnect. Like Turkish, Lufthansa will also offer mobile connectivity, the so-called eXPhone product offered under Panasonic's partnership with AeroMobile.
Read all about the new Turkish delight on Flightglobal's IFEC channel (including a juicy bit from Panasonic about which birds will be line-fit and retrofit with the firm's IFEC solutions).
The timeline for Turkish and Lufthansa to offer in-flight Internet seem a bit tight, in my humble opinion. Panasonic still hasn't started its trial of eXConnect on a BBJ, but that is planned for this spring, says a spokeswoman.
Turkish Airlines' announcement, meanwhile, is just part of the carrier's broader strategy to transform its product.
Last year the airline announced plans to undergo a complete rebranding effort. It contracted Priestmangoode for an interior re-design across the entire Turkish fleet as well as the airline's ground services, lounges and check-in counters.
(Photo above from Johannes Papas photo stream on Flickr)
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