LAKE FOREST, Calif. – Panasonic Avionics Corporation, the world leader in state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and communication systems, and AeroMobile today announced that Air New Zealand will transform its passengers’ in-flight experience through the companies’ eXPhone on-board mobile phone solution.
Working with Panasonic and AeroMobile, Air New Zealand will install and obtain FAA certification from Boeing on its incoming fleet of new Boeing 777-300ERs, the first of which is scheduled to enter into service this November. Air New Zealand has five of the aircraft on order, with options for 2 additional aircraft.
The introduction of eXPhone, which is uniquely integrated into Panasonic’s eX2 in-flight entertainment system, will enable Air New Zealand’s passengers to access their iPhones™, BlackBerrys® and other GSM cellular phones to safely send and receive emails and text messages during flight.
Ed Sims, Group General Manager of Air New Zealand, said: “Feedback from our customers has shown they wish to be able to text, check emails, and stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues during their long-haul flights.
“We’re excited to offer customers onboard our new Boeing 777-300 aircraft the ability to use their own GSM/GPRS devices safely when the system is activated during the cruise stage of flight.”
Since 2007, when AeroMobile introduced the world’s first commercial in-flight cellular service, the technology has proved increasingly popular. More than two million airline passengers have now used AeroMobile services since inception. Over 180 flights now operate daily with AeroMobile. 75 wide body aircraft, spanning Airbus and Boeing airframes, are now equipped with the service.
“We are delighted to secure another go-ahead flag-carrier for our eXPhone solution. We are proud to provide a global solution for the only airline in the world that operates completely around the globe,” said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation.
Bjorn-Taale Sandberg, Chief Executive Officer of AeroMobile, said: “Airlines are increasingly recognising that AeroMobile and Panasonic together offer an unbeatable solution, addressing both near term and future passenger connectivity requirements. Our service is perfectly suited to Air New Zealand and its ultra-long haul passengers, enabling them to stay in touch during unavoidably lengthy flights.
In 2008, Panasonic and AeroMobile won the “Best Achievement in Technology 2008” award from the World Airline Entertainment Association.
