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Panasonic Avionics Corporation Selects EMS Technologies As Antenna Supplier for Its In-Flight Broadband System

Posted on: Wednesday, 15 October 2008, 09:00 CDT

Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), a world leader in state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment (IFE) and communication systems, and EMS Technologies, Inc., a leading supplier of wireless connectivity solutions, today announced a multi-year contract for the supply of Panasonic eXConnect system antennas.

Under the agreement, EMS Technologies' Defense & Space Systems Division (D&SS) will provide the AURA-LE Ku-band antenna, developed collaboratively by Panasonic and EMS, as a core component of the Panasonic eXConnect system.

Panasonic eXConnect is designed to provide two-way broadband connectivity globally for a wide range of passenger and crew applications, including Internet access, voice data, television and the ability to monitor and transmit airline operational data in real time.

With this vendor selection, Panasonic further extends its team of world-renowned suppliers and partners who have the core competencies and latest in proven technologies for mobile satellite-based communications. The Panasonic eXConnect system features a small satellite antenna manufactured by EMS, global Ku-band broadband coverage provided by Intelsat, and bandwidth management technology from iDirect that enables airlines to integrate and deliver a wide range of services beyond Internet connectivity.

The eXConnect system is distinguished by:

-- State-of-the-art technology: With EMS's advanced dual-panel, satellite-tracking antenna, and iDirect's bandwidth management technology Panasonic believes it has a solution which provides significantly better performance than other Ku-band aeronautical configurations in the more difficult regions of the world like North America and the area between the tropics without causing adjacent satellite interference.

-- Flexible, cost-effective global coverage: Scalable, global satellite bandwidth allows eXConnect to meet current demand and increase network capacity as demand grows.

-- Lower airline costs: The small eXConnect Ku-band antenna installs quickly, consumes less power, requires less maintenance and lowers acquisition and operating costs for customer airlines than previous Ku-band systems.

-- Operations-friendly installation: Panasonic's unique antenna adapter solution provides a segmented modification work scope for the aircraft. This allows system installation during a series of overnight visits.

"EMS is excited to support the launch of Panasonic's IFE product line with our new Ku-band broadband in-flight antenna," said Paul Domorski, President and CEO, EMS Technologies. "Airlines are looking for solutions to deliver full-featured broadband Internet and entertainment services to their passengers that are lower weight, lower cost and better aligned with their business models. This collaboration represents a global connectivity solution that delivers the economics and performance airlines need to make in-flight communications both viable and profitable."

"We are glad to be working with EMS as our antenna supplier for the eXConnect in-flight broadband system," said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer at Panasonic Avionics Corporation. "EMS has proven experience with the high performance, aeronautical antennas that are vital to giving our eXConnect customers the best possible performance."

About EMS Technologies, Inc.

EMS Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ELMG) is a leading supplier of wireless connectivity solutions. With technology leadership positions in the aeronautical, defense and wireless logistics computing markets, EMS keeps people, systems and data connected, wherever they are - on the ground, in the air, or in space. Headquartered in Atlanta, EMS employs 1,100 staff in four businesses, SATCOM, LXE, Defense & Space Systems, and Sky Connect. It has major manufacturing facilities in Atlanta, and Ottawa, Canada.

For more information, visit EMS on the World Wide Web at www.ems-t.com.

About Panasonic Avionics Corporation

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world's leading supplier of in-flight entertainment and communication systems. The company's best-in-class solutions, supported by professional maintenance services, fully integrates 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 Panasonic Corporation. For more information, visit www.panasonic.com.

Source: Business Wire

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