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BAHRAIN,UNITED ARAB EMIRATES,UNITED STATES : Etihad ready to introduce live TV partnering Panasonic [TendersInfo (India)](TendersInfo (India) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) In a unique move, Etihad Airways has inked a new 10-year agreement with Panasonic Avionics Corporation for offering in-flight entertainment together with broadband internet and live TV, which will be applicable to each of the airline's long-haul fleet of wide body aircraft. The Etihad s statement says that the agreement is, at present, in the final stage, and worth over $1bn at list prices, including a complete service maintenance deal. Last month the Bahrain s national carrier, Gulf Air was delivered one of the world s first aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art communications and entertainment technology which offer passengers to enjoy live TV, accept text messages as well as access social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. The Gulf Air s chief executive officer Samer Majali said that the carrier s 'Sky Hub' system cost had been worth millions of dinars. Etihad Airways partnering Panasonic are planning to use Panasonic's eX2 and eX3 IFEC systems on 100 new aircraft, besides the 16 aircraft has the eX2 system already. Adhering to the new agreement, Etihad will equip its new Airbus A380s, Boeing 787s, and Boeing 777-300Ers, with Panasonic's eX2 system while Panasonic's eX3 solution will be deployed for its new Airbus A350 aircraft. The contract will also make inclusion of the Panasonic's Global Communications Suite installation, that offers in-flight broadband connectivity, mobile phone service as well as live television content. The CEO of Etihad Airways James Hogan said: "It is essential that we offer the most engaging and dynamic in-flight entertainment for our guests - especially on longhaul flights. "We went through a comprehensive technical and commercial evaluation of what was out there in the market. Panasonic will support Etihad Airways' commitment to delivering a system that will enable us to stay at the leading edge in this all-important area." The Panasonic Avionics CEO, Paul Margis added: "Etihad Airways is a very important and valued customer for Panasonic, and we look forward to delivering an uncompromising IFEC solution and in-flight connectivity service that offers passengers an unparalleled entertainment experience." (c) 2011 Euclid Infotech Pvt. Ltd. Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company |