BURLINGAME, Calif., May 2, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Virgin America, a new U.S.-based start-up airline, has named Panasonic Avionics Corporation as its lead hardware supplier for in-flight entertainment. The airline has also announced its core team of in-flight entertainment technology partners. Together with Virgin America, the entire team seeks to deliver the most innovative and sophisticated in-flight entertainment (IFE) experience available for customers.
Panasonic Avionics is the latest addition to Virgin America's core in-flight entertainment development team and will supply the most modern narrow-body hardware in the industry -- the "X Series" -- as well as the software engineering, media integration, and maintenance services for the airline's 34 new Airbus aircraft currently on order.
Including Panasonic Avionics, the core IFE development team comprises:
-- CoKinetic Systems Corporation, the leading provider of
XML-centric thin client technology;
-- IMS, the leading provider of wireless connectivity, portable
entertainment and content solutions including the Terminal
Data Loader (TDL);
-- Inflight Canada, an industry leader in cabin system
installation and maintenance. iCACHE, Inflight Canada's
revolutionary IFE installation solution, streamlines IFE
installations and maximizes passenger comfort, and;
-- Wunderman, the digital marketing division of Young & Rubicam
Brands that specializes in designing robust interactive
experiences.
Charles Ogilvie, Virgin America's Director, In-flight Entertainment & Partnerships, said the team was assembled based on its ability to help provide a superior passenger experience: "Each partner brings specific expertise to our IFE development that will allow us to deliver the best possible experience to our guests at launch . . . and beyond. It's important to design a flexible system with an open architecture so we can drive an interactive experience that is compelling, current and abundant with entertainment options."
Chris Lundquist, Vice President of Marketing for Panasonic Avionics Corporation, said: "Panasonic is thrilled to be part of a visionary and unique team and we look forward to the success of this product in the U.S. domestic market."
Virgin America anticipates announcing additional IFE team members, content relationships and strategic partners in the near future.
About Panasonic Avionics Corporation
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world's leading supplier of in-flight entertainment and communication systems. Headquartered in Bothell, Washington, Panasonic Avionics Corporation employs approximately 2,500 employees based in over 70 locations worldwide.
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is a subsidiary of Panasonic North America (PNA). Based in Secaucus, N.J., PNA is the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE:MC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales and service operations. Additional information on Panasonic Avionics Corporation is available at www.panasonic.aero. Additional information on Matsushita Electric and Panasonic is available at www.panasonic.com.
About Virgin America
Virgin America is a new U.S.-based start up airline that plans to launch domestic service with new Airbus 320 aircraft in 2006. The company is U.S. majority owned and operated and has announced firm orders for 34 A320 family aircraft. Virgin America's company headquarters is in the San Francisco Bay Area, and its principal base of operations is at the San Francisco International Airport.
Virgin America's goal is to build an innovative, creative travel brand based on safe and efficient operations, low costs, outstanding guest service, and a unique level of engagement by its team. Its mission is to create an airline people love. Aspiring candidates can visit virginamerica.com to learn more about joining the Virgin America team.
The Virgin America logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2371