[Satellite TODAY 02-18-11] In-flight entertainment and communications systems developer Panasonic Avionics signed a letter of intent with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) to deliver full Ku-band broadband connectivity and mobile phone service on SAS’ domestic, pan-European and intercontinental flights, Panasonic announced Feb. 17.
    The agreement enables Panasonic and SAS to begin developing plans to deploy Panasonic’s eXConnect and eXPhone products – in collaboration with AeroMobile – across SAS’ fleet beginning this fall. Panasonic’s eXConnect system will provide two-way broadband connectivity to SAS aircraft, complemented by eXPhone, which will allows SAS passengers to use mobile and smartphone devices as well as access GPRS services such as e-mail and Internet access.
    SAS was an early adopter of in-flight connectivity with Boeing’s Connexion service. The airline said that financial details of the Panasonic agreement are still being negotiated.