ANA Picks Panasonic for 787 IFE

All Nippon Airways (ANA), the launch customer for the B787 Dreamliner, said it will use Panasonic Avionics’ eX2 in-flight entertainment system (IFE) on the new aircraft. Panasonic Avionics, Lake Forest, Calif., said the system allows airlines more storage, more passengers per audio/video server and faster loading times. The system also offers up to 30 percent reduction in weight from current IFE systems, Panasonic said. Customers can choose widescreen format monitor sizes ranging from nine inches up to 23 inches in first class. ANA is slated to take delivery of its aircraft in 2008. Last week, Boeing said it was scrapping plans to use a wireless broadband system on the B787, set to fly for the first time in August, citing technology and weight concerns. Boeing said switching from a wireless to a wired IFE system produces a net weight reduction of about 150 pounds. More