United Continental Holdings, the holding
company for United Airlines and Continental Airlines, announced that it
selected Panasonic Avionics to offer Wi-Fi connectivity on more than 300 United
Airlines and Continental Airlines mainline aircraft beginning in mid-2012.
“As a global carrier, we selected
satellite-based Ku-band technology to enable customers to stay connected on
long-haul overseas flights, something no other U.S.-based international carrier
currently offers,” said Jim Compton, United’s executive vice president and
chief revenue officer.
United Continental Holdings expects to install the Panasonic system on Airbus 319 and 320 and Boeing 747,
757, 767, 777 and 787 aircraft. Customers will be able to use their wireless
devices such as laptops, smart phones and tablets onboard those aircraft to
connect with internet service using the in-flight hotspot. The company expects
the entire mainline fleet will be equipped with Wi-Fi by 2015.
Panasonic’s Ku-band satellite technology
offers faster speed than air-to-ground technology (ATG) and will provide
connectivity on flights worldwide. The system will also enable wireless
streaming of video content.
“Panasonic is honored that United
Continental Holdings selected our Global Communications Suite for more than 300
aircraft in its domestic and international fleets. United Continental Holdings
has an exciting vision about how to leverage Ku technology within its fleets,
and we are thrilled to be working with them on a connectivity experience that
sets a new standard in in-flight entertainment and communications,” said
Paul Margis, chief executive officer for Panasonic Avionics Corporation.
By Telecomlead.com Team
