[Satellite TODAY 01-31-12] Panasonic Avionics has commissioned and tested its new service on the Russian Yamal 201 satellite with its Moscow-based partner RuSat, the companies announced Jan. 30.
   Panasonic Avionics CEO Paul Margis said the Russian satellite is a strategic addition to the company’s global aeronautical broadband network, as it provides essential service for aircraft routes from Europe to Asia. 
   “We are now only a few months away from completing the world’s first global Ku frequency, high bandwidth aeronautical network,” Margis said in a statement. “We are very excited to see our powerful broadband network offer global, uninterrupted in-flight connectivity, and look forward to helping our customers use broadband connectivity to enhance operational efficiencies and the in-flight entertainment experience.”
   The Yamal 201 satellite is one of more than 1,200 aircraft that have committed to Panasonic’s Global Communications Suite, which aims to provide uninterrupted two-way broadband connectivity to aircraft from the company’s Ku-band network.