HAMBURG, Germany, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic Avionics
Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in state-of-the-art
in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems, received
a Crystal Cabin award yesterday at the annual Aircraft Interiors
Expo in Hamburg, Germany.
Panasonic was honored in the industrial design category for its
Integrated Smart Monitor. The Integrated Smart Monitor was
born of a groundbreaking collaboration with Weber Aircraft and
Teague to produce the industry's first fully integrated IFE seat
solution.
"When we started this project, we wanted to address the full
realm of challenges with bolt-on IFEC solutions," said Marshal H.
Perlman, Director, Product
Management of Panasonic Avionics Corporation. "To do that, we
knew we needed to work together to create an entirely new concept.
The Crystal Cabin Award validates our efforts and publicly
demonstrates how collaboration can revolutionize both design and
function."
The vision was to create an integrated product that would
decrease costs, reduce complexity and create a premium
entertainment experience for travelers. The result was an IFE
seat solution that seamlessly integrates Panasonic's
next-generation, touch-screen IFE monitor with an ultra-thin,
lightweight economy seat for an unprecedented level of class and
comfort.
It is significantly lighter than other solutions, offers
improved reliability, and a home theater entertainment experience
to airline passengers while streamlining the aircraft manufacturing
process with fewer parts.
"Starting with R&D and at every step of the seat design,
Weber ensures the IFE integrates in a way that creates the most
living space while minimizing the impact to the overall seat
weight. We've taken cooperation a step further," said Jean-Marie Daout, Senior Director, Business
Development of Weber.
Sebastian Petry, Design Director
of Teague, noted, " This is a collaborative solution that allows
airlines to offer a personal entertainment space, closer to the
home entertainment experience. It will help make travel a better
lifestyle experience."
"Regardless of the capabilities of any IFEC system, weight,
space and power draw are issues that loom large in the airline
industry," said Paul Margis, Chief
Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation. "Working
together with Weber and Teague, we made considerable progress in
changing the profile of our IFEC systems. But we can't rest
on our laurels. We are dedicated to leading the industry with
innovations in both function and footprint."
The Crystal Cabin Award is the only international award for
excellence in aircraft interior innovation. The award is
donated by the Senate of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Germany, and is intended to
recognize significant improvements in passenger comfort.
Entrants are judged on unique features, market compatibility,
aesthetics, engineering, usability and economics. The award,
established in 2007, has been presented annually at the Aircraft
Interiors Expo.
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 integrate 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, and lower overall costs.
Established in 1979, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, a U.S.
corporation, is a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of
North America, the principal North
American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC).
Headquartered in Lake Forest,
California with over 2,600 employees and operations in 50
locations worldwide, it serves over 200 customers worldwide and
provides IFEC systems on over 3,700 aircraft. For additional
information, please visit www.panasonic.aero.
SOURCE Panasonic Avionics Corporation