AeroMobile’s previous sole owner Telenor remains the only other shareholder and will continue its telecom partnership with the company. The transaction is an important one for Panasonic as AeroMobile’s eXPhone product is a key element in Panasonic’s long-term in-flight connectivity and communications strategy. Panasonic currently offers the eXPhone in-flight mobile phone service in collaboration with AeroMobile.

   “This is a natural extension of Panasonic Avionics’ longstanding partnership with AeroMobile. We believe that, as a result of this transaction, our customers will benefit from an increased level of integration between our two companies,” Panasonic Avionics President and COO Yasu Enokido said in a statement.

   AeroMobile will continue to operate as an independent company, offering its branded in-flight voice and data services. Panasonic said the company would also continue to maintain and expand its global telecom roaming agreements.