Japan Airlines (JAL) will offer internet connectivity aboard select international flights from summer 2012 using Panasonic Avionics's eXConnect technology.

Panasonic's broadband Ku connectivity system eXConnect will first be installed on JAL's fleet of Boeing 777s, said JAL. This means it will be introduced mainly on JAL's European and North American routes.

The carrier plans to eventually equip its entire long-range fleet with this function, subsequently expanding this service to its entire international network.

JAL is a former customer of Boeing's now-defunct Connexion in-flight Internet service.

The carrier joins a growing list of operators that have turned to Panasonic for in-flight connectivity. Panasonic now counts Cathay, Lufthansa, Turkish, SAS and others as eXConnect customers.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news