Panasonic Avionics is set to enter the business aviation in-flight entertainment and connectivity service market, having recently acquired a supplemental type certificate (STC) for its the new Astronics Aerosat FliteStream T-200 series antenna. Astronics and Panasonic (both here at MEBAA Stand 664) announced late last year plans to partner to provide high-speed communication services and global live television programming to the business aviation market.
Panasonic has long been in the airline market, but was searching for the proper hardware technology to bring its services to business aviation.
The Astronics Flitestream T-200 series incorporates patented Rexolite Lens technology that increases reliability and improves efficiency of the antenna, which Edward Popek, senior director of marketing for Astronics, said is important for a small package installed on the tail of a business jet. The design provides the performance of a larger traditional antenna.
Panasonic, which has over 1,000 airliners currently using its services, relies on 22 satellites and has agreements in place that will enable the company to provide full Ku-band coverage for business aviation. The packages will be offered in tiers with a guaranteed data rate, ranging from 1.5 to 4.0 Mbps, said John Moore, senior manager for business aviation/emerging markets for Panasonic.
Panasonic is offering a specific package for business aviation that will initially entail five-to-eight channels, but will expand to close to 20 over the next year.
Satcom Direct will provide the subscriptions to the service.
The initial certification for the dual-use antenna is on a Gulfstream G-IVSP, and applies to all models of that type. Astronics is next targeting an STC on the GV/G550 and then plans to turn its attention to Bombardier Globals and Challengers, Popek said.
The antenna can fit on aircraft starting from the size of about a Citation X, Popek said.
