Panasonic Avionics reports that its multiplexed passenger entertainment system (MPES) was installed on the 6,000th Boeing 737 to enter into service.

The aircraft was delivered to US lessor International Lease Finance Corp (ILFC) and will be leased to Scandinavian carrier Norwegian Air Shuttle.

An overhead audio and video in-flight entertainment (IFE) system for narrowbody aircraft, MPES features a range of entertainment options, including distributed audio and video, broadcast moving maps, and other entertainment content.

"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," says Norwegian chief operating officer Asgeir Nyseth.

Panasonic Avionics CEO Paul Margis adds: "As this latest delivery illustrates, we continue to enjoy success and growth in the European air transport market."

In addition to MPES, Panasonic is supplying its DMPES (digital multiplexed passenger entertainment system) to Norwegian for 45 Boeing 737-800 aircraft for delivery into service starting in August 2009.

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, says Panasonic.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news