Latest News

July 2008

Panasonic Avionics Corporation Licenses iDirect’s
Satellite IP Router Technology To Power
In-Flight Broadband System

Next-generation satellite transmission platform expands end user applications for in-flight Internet broadband, solves technical and operational challenges that grounded previous solutions

Herndon, Va., and Lake Forest, Calif., July 8, 2008 — Singapore Technologies Electronics Limited’s (ST Electronics) related US satellite communication company, VT iDirect Inc. (iDirect) and Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world's leading supplier of in-flight entertainment (IFE) and communication systems, today announced a major technology licensing agreement. Panasonic will license iDirect’s satellite IP router technology as a core component of the Panasonic eXConnect in-flight satellite transmission platform. Panasonic eXConnect provides two-way broadband connectivity for a broad range of passenger and crew applications, including Internet access as well as live video programming, telemedicine and the ability to monitor and report critical flight information in real time. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology. ST Electronics is the electronics arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd.

Representing a next-generation solution, Panasonic eXConnect will overcome critical technical limitations of delivering in-flight broadband connectivity and expand airlines’ opportunities to market the service. The system features significantly lighter airborne electronics equipment, an ultra-small satellite antenna, iDirect’s highly efficient spread spectrum mobile waveform and Intelsat’s global Ku-band broadband coverage. In addition, Panasonic eXConnect leverages iDirect’s award-wining “Group Quality of Service” bandwidth management technology, which enables airlines to integrate and deliver a wide range of services beyond basic Internet access. These include live and premium in-flight entertainment services as well as voice applications, and allow airlines to capture additional pay-per-use and advertising revenues.

By implementing iDirect’s satellite IP router technology, Panasonic is also able to reduce the operating cost and complexity of supporting in-flight broadband connectivity and offer the service for both continental and inter-continental flights.

The next-generation system is distinguished by:

More affordable use of satellite bandwidth: Ultra-small satellite antennae on an aircraft require increased transmission powers and satellite bandwidth to maintain a reliable link while in motion. To overcome this challenge, Panasonic eXConnect will feature iDirect’s innovative spread spectrum mobile waveform. The iDirect waveform diffuses the transmission of satellite bandwidth while maintaining a high data rate. This dramatically conserves satellite space segment and lowers bandwidth costs for airlines.
Cost-effective network expansion: Through the iDirect satellite router, the eXConnect system leverages Intelsat’s global fleet of 53 in-orbit satellites and on-the-ground teleport facilities. Satellite carriers can be scaled to the bandwidth needs of specific geographical regions, providing a cost-effective means to meet current demand and increase network capacity as demand grows.
Simplified global network management: With iDirect’s Global Network Management System, Panasonic can manage and track each satellite router from a single network management system, instead of using multiple systems typically required to manage a global, hybrid network. In addition, iDirect’s Automatic Beam Switching feature enables the antenna to automatically transfer connectivity from one satellite to the next as an aircraft travels across satellite footprints.

We are proud to be working with iDirect to deliver the next-generation satellite transmission platform for eXConnect. iDirect develops world-renowned technology, leveraging Intelsat’s global satellite fleet and network infrastructure. We believe iDirect is best prepared to help Panasonic provide airlines with a satellite communications technology to reduce operating costs and improve daily operations.

Paul MARGIS
Chief Executive Officer, Panasonic Avionics Corporation

The core capabilities for in-flight broadband have existed for years, but until recently they were far too inefficient and costly for airlines to operate profitably. iDirect has developed new technologies for the satellite industry to overcome mobile broadband challenges. Today, a powerful combination of next-generation capabilities from Panasonic, Intelsat and iDirect will soon make broadband connectivity a vital new dimension of air travel.

David BETTINGER
Chief Technology Officer, iDirect

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world's leading supplier of in-flight entertainment (IFE) and communication systems. The company’s best-in-class solutions, supported by professional maintenance services, fully integrate with the cabin enabling airlines to deliver the ultimate travel experiences with a rich variety of entertainment choices, resulting in improved quality communication systems and solutions, reduced time-to-market and lower overall costs. Established in 1979, Panasonic Avionics serves over 200 customers worldwide and provides systems on over 3,700 aircraft. Headquartered in Lake Forest, California, the company employs over 2,600 employees with operations in 80 locations worldwide. For additional information, please visit www.panasonic.aero. Panasonic Avionics Corporation is a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC). Additional information on Matsushita Electric and Panasonic is available at www.panasonic.com.

iDirect is transforming the way the world gets and stays connected. The company’s satellite-based IP communications technology enables constant connectivity for voice, video and data applications in diverse and challenging environments. These include extending private networks to remote offices; supporting mobile connectivity across land, sea and air; providing rural telephony and Internet broadband; and maintaining communications in the wake of disasters and network failures. The iDirect Intelligent Platform™ integrates advanced technology into iDirect’s portfolio of hubs, routers and network management software to address the growing complexity of deploying and managing global IP networks. With more than 13 years of global satellite communications experience, iDirect serves customers in 50 countries through a diverse network of channel partners, including some of the largest satellite providers, operators and carriers in the world and seven of the World Teleport Association’s Global Top Ten. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, iDirect has offices in Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Please visit www.idirect.net.

ST Electronics, the electronics arm of ST Engineering, delivers innovative system solutions to government, commercial, defence, and industrial customers worldwide. With presence in more than 18 countries and 28 cities, ST Electronics markets its solutions to more than 70 countries internationally. It specialises in the design, development and integration of advanced electronics and communications systems, such as broadband radio frequency and satellite communication, e-Government solutions, information communications technologies and IT, rail and traffic management, real-time command & control, training and simulation, intelligent building management, and information security and mobile commerce solutions. Please visit www.stee.stengg.com.

Media contact:

Magdalen Loh
AVP/Head, Corporate Communications
ST Electronics
Tel: (65) 6413 1788
Fax: (65) 6484 8840
Email: magloh@stee.stengg.com

Julie Gouldin
Vice President, Corporate Marketing
iDirect
Tel: (1) 703-648-8155
Fax : (1) 703-648-8015
Email: jgouldin@idirect.net

Theresa Yeoh
Panasonic Avionics Corporation
Phone: (1) 949-462-1730
Email: theresa.yeoh@panasonic.aero