[Satellite TODAY 11-18-11] Etihad Airways contracted Panasonic Avionics to provide in-flight entertainment systems and in-flight connectivity, including broadband Internet and live TV, for the airline’s entire long-haul fleet of wide body aircraft during a period of 10 years, Panasonic Avionics announced Nov. 17.

   While the deal is currently being finalized, Panasonic said the approximate value of the contract should be more than $1 billion in list prices, as the deal also includes a full service maintenance contract.

   Panasonic will co-develop a plan with Etihad Airways to deploy its eX2 and eX3 IFEC systems on 100 new aircraft, in addition to the 16 aircraft already equipped with the eX2 system. Etihad Airways will install the eX2 system on its new Airbus A380s, Boeing 787s, and Boeing 777-300Ers, and will use Panasonic’s eX3 solution for its new Airbus A350 aircraft. The deal also includes the installation of Panasonic’s Global Communications Suite, which aims to provide in-flight broadband connectivity, mobile phone service and live television content.