Lufthansa has tapped Panasonic Avionics to provide the in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems for its Airbus A380s.

Confirming the deal today, a Lufthansa spokeswoman says: "The IFE system on our A380 will be supplied by Panasonic."

Further details have not been disclosed.

Panasonic's latest generation IFE system, the eX2, was tested on an A380 in 2007 during route-proving exercises conducted by Airbus and Lufthansa.

The Star Alliance member also intends to offer Lufthansa Technik's NiceView passenger flight information and moving map system on the A380s, "and later on the Boeing 747-8", reveals a Lufthansa spokeswoman.

NiceView is already operating on the Lufthansa Private Jet flights in the carrier's network. It provides worldwide high-resolution 3D maps and virtual flight views as well as a multitude of information screens.

Last year Lufthansa partnered with Panasonic to relaunch Ku-band satellite-based in-flight broadband Internet. The former Connexion by Boeing customer intends to reignite its 'FlyNet'-branded service on the majority of 70 aircraft already fitted with Connexion hardware in the middle of this year.

The rest of Lufthansa's long-haul fleet will be fitted with Panasonic's eXConnect Internet solution by the end of 2011.

Mobile services, courtesy of Panasonic's partnership with AeroMobile, are also included.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news