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Etihad Airways signs $1billion deal

DUBAI — Etihad Airways on Thursday said it had selected Panasonic Avionics Corporation to provide in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity, including broadband and live television, for the airline’s entire fleet of long haul wide-body aircraft in a deal valued at around $1 billion.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive officer, and Paul Margis, Panasonic Avionics’ chief executive officer, signed the letter of intent signed a letter of intent for a 10-year agreement for flight entertainment and communications, which includes mobile phone services in conjunction with AeroMobile. The deal currently being finalised, which is valued at more than $1 billion at list prices, will include a full service maintenance contract.

“It is essential that we offer the most engaging and dynamic in-flight entertainment for our guests — especially on longhaul flights. Panasonic will support Etihad Airways’ commitment to delivering a system that will enable us to stay at the leading edge in this all-important area,” James Hogan said in an e-mail statement to Khaleej Times.

Under the agreement, Etihad Airways will install Panasonic’s 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 provides in-flight broadband connectivity, mobile phone service and live television content, across Etihad Airways’ entire fleet of existing and to-be-delivered wide body aircraft.

“Etihad Airways is a very important and valued customer for Panasonic, and we look forward to delivering an uncompromising IFEC solution and in-flight connectivity service that offers passengers an unparalleled entertainment experience,” Margis said.

Panasonic Avionics is a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the North American subsidiary of Japan’s Panasonic Corporation.

Etihad’s wide-body aircraft include its Airbus A380s, Boeing 787s, and Boeing 777-300ERs. The airline flies to 86 destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. It is one of the fastest growing airlines and has 100 aircraft on order including 10 Airbus A380s.

muzaffarrizvi@khaleejtimes.com