The story behind Panasonic Avionics
Discover how we pioneered a digital third channel and reinvented passenger engagement for airlines.
Redefining in-flight entertainment
For nearly 40 years, in-flight entertainment was defined by movies in the sky. With increases in personal devices and narrow-body aircrafts, airline execs have begun questioning the need for traditional IFEC devices. And so have we. To pioneer the next generation of passenger engagement, it’s time to reinvent the very category we helped create.
Four decades of in-flight innovation
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1979
From trains to planes
Inspired by entertainment systems recently created for the bullet trains in Japan, Matsushita Avionics Systems Corporation is founded by Kōnosuke Matsushita.
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1980
Goodbye analog
We engineer the first completely digital audio system, the Passenger Entertainment System (PES), for the B767-200.
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1998
Power to the people
We introduce the first Audio Video On Demand (AVOD) 1.0 which meant passengers finally got to decide what they wanted to watch, as well as when to start and stop.
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2003
Small but mighty
The introduction of eFX marks the first all-digital IFE system. Moving to a fully digital system allows us to vastly simplify the design and reduce bulk.
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2005
New name, same innovators
Matsushita Avionics Systems Corporation becomes Panasonic Avionics Corporation to match our parent company’s name change.
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2006
In it for the long haul
We introduce eX2, the first fully digital wide-body AVOD in service. Going from single aisle to twin aisle means showing up on longer haul flights.
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2007
Bigger than ever
We install the first IFE on the A380, the world’s first superjumbo airliner. In doing so, we scale up design of the eX2 to support up to 800 passengers.
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2010
The long thin route
We become the first in-revenue service on the B787, positioning ourselves to be well suited for more fuel efficient aircraft.
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2011
No strings attached
We introduce eXW, our first wireless IFEC solution, allowing airlines to provide entertainment capabilities without installing hardware in seat backs.
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2019
Endless impact
We celebrate forty years of growth and innovation that’s unparalleled in the very market we helped establish.
Eyes on the horizon
We envision a world where a passenger's seat back device becomes an extension of their lives, seamlessly blending their desires and interests with the airline's offerings—transforming air travel into an unforgettable, customized adventure.
From dietary habits to travel choices, their personal preferences will follow them from one flight to the next, creating a unique experience for every individual.
We see a world where airlines dynamically use IFE to create in-flight marketplaces, exclusive advertising opportunities, and unforgettable brand moments. A world where customer engagement data from IFEC devices is measured, optimized, and acted upon by data-driven airlines.
A world where success is defined by passenger engagement and loyalty—not merely movies streamed or TV shows watched.
Our offerings
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In-Flight Connectivity
Unparalleled multi-orbit network coverage. -
Digital Solutions
Transforming every phase of the passenger journey. -
Technical Services
Service and support from Panasonic Technical Services.