[Satellite TODAY 09-15-11] Panasonic Avionics has finalized an agreement with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) to install its Ku-band eXConnect and eXPhone solutions on SAS’ fleet of domestic, pan-European and intercontinental aircraft, Panasonic announced.

   Panasonic said SAS plans on introducing the service to its passengers at the end of this year.

   Panasonic’s eXConnect system was designed to provide two-way broadband connectivity to an aircraft, supporting a range of passenger and crew applications. SAS will use the solution to provide in-flight broadband Internet access over Wi-Fi to passengers. The company’s eXPhone product, offered in collaboration with AeroMobile’s in-flight mobile phone service, allows SAS passengers to use their mobile and smart phone devices onboard to make and receive voice calls, send and receive SMS text messages and use GPRS Internet access.