Panasonic Avionics Corp., of Lake Forest, Calif., signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) to provide communications systems for COMAC’s C919 aircraft, the companies said Friday.
While final terms are still being negotiated, the LOI allows the parties to begin working on a custom communications systems that will let passengers use their own devices for mobile phone services and internet access on board the C919. Panasonic said it is partnering with China Electronics Technology Avionics Co. Ltd. (CETCA), which is based in Chengdu and held by China Electronics Technology Group Cooperation (CETC). Designed and built in China, the 156-190 seat C919 will first take flight in 2014 with 2355 forecasted aircraft deliveries scheduled to begin in 2016.
“We are very excited at the opportunity to work with COMAC on an in-flight connectivity solution,” said Paul Margis, CEO for Panasonic. “China is one of the world’s most connected societies, and passengers onboard COMAC’s C919 aircraft will be able to enjoy a high quality mobile phone and internet experience at 30,000 feet."
In November, Thales signed a LOI with COMAC and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CETCA, which will lay the groundwork for the creation of a joint venture company that will integrate the Thales in-flight entertainment (IFE) system in the cabin of COMAC’s C919.
Other suppliers of the C919 include Rockwell Collins (cabin core system, communication and navigation systems and in-flight entertainment system), joint venture partners GE Aviation and AVIC Systems (avionics core processing system, display system and onboard maintenance system), joint venture partners Hamilton Sundstrand and AVIC Electromechanical Systems Company Limited (AVIC EM) (electric power system), Honeywell (fly-by-wire flight control system, wheels and brakes, Brake Control System and tires), Kidde Aerospace & Defense (integrated fire and overheat protection systems), and Parker Aerospace (fuel, inerting and hydraulic systems).