Panasonic Avionics and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation have signed an agreement for the provision of Gbps-class Ku-band capacity on the Superbird-9 satellite, as part of Panasonic Avionics’ expansion plans to provide improved inflight connectivity over Japan. Service on Superbird-9 is set to begin in the first half of 2027.
Based on Airbus’ OneSat satellite system, Superbird-9 is a next-gen satellite capable of reconfiguring its service area, capacity and frequency while in orbit, enabling the allocation of capacity between congested and non-congested areas to respond to demand.
“For the past year, Panasonic Avionics has made significant investments in the worldwide coverage and capacity of our global satellite network,” said John Wade, Vice President of Panasonic Avionics’ Inflight Connectivity Business Unit. “Passengers want faster internet speeds for traditional services. They also increasingly demand access to emerging in-flight connectivity applications like streaming content, playing games in flight and using collaborative cloud-based applications.
“This significant investment with SKY Perfect JSAT is the latest example of our commitment to a standard-setting global connectivity network and our efforts to exceed the growing demand for these kinds of enhanced in-flight experiences,” added Wade.
“We are building on our long-standing partnership with Panasonic Avionics,” added Yutaka Moriai, Executive Officer, Group President of SKY Perfect JSAT’s Global Business Group, “and it is our joint commitment to elevate the in-flight experience and to deliver market-leading connectivity to passengers. With the introduction of the cutting-edge Superbird-9 satellite to Panasonic Avionics, we will continue to deliver forward-looking solutions together.”
Image: AIRBUS
