First Chinese Airline Launches Panasonic IFC

Photo: China Eastern Airlines

[Via Satellite 11-13-2015] China Eastern Airlines launched Panasonic Avionics In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) solution on international flights, becoming the first Chinese carrier to do so with Panasonic. The leading Chinese carrier, which, in partnership with China Telecom Satellite, was also the first to offer Wi-Fi on domestic flights, has installed Panasonic’s eXConnect IFC system on its newest Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Panasonic Avionics’ eXConnect uses the company’s global Ku-band satellite network to deliver global broadband connectivity to aircraft. The Wi-Fi connectivity service enables passengers to browse the Internet, access email and social media sites.

The service will initially be offered on the airline’s flights from Shanghai to New York, Los Angeles and Toronto, and rolled out on other routes including San Francisco and Vancouver in December. By the end of 2015, IFC will be available on 20 of China Eastern’s aircraft.