Panasonic’s Acquisition of ITC Stirs up the IFC Market
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Panasonic announced this morning that it will be acquiring ITC Global for its aviation branch, Panasonic Avionics, in hopes of becoming a new leader in global satellite services that would respond to the growing demand for efficient, reliable in-flight communications and increased bandwidth. Together the companies will be known as “ITC Global, A Panasonic Company.”
The acquisition will allow Panasonic Avionics, which already supplies in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) systems on more than 3,700 aircraft, to utilize ITC Global’s expertise in network design and satellite bandwidth, to be adapted for the aviation market.
With Panasonic clients: airberlin, Virgin Atlantic, Etihad, British Airways, Air Europa, United Airlines and China Eastern Airlines; and ITC Global clients: Saipem, bhp Billiton and Imetch, both companies have a reputable portfolio of projects.
For Paul Margis, President and CEO of Panasonic Avionics, this partnership is the “natural alignment of customers across the aviation, energy, mining and maritime markets, all of whom require mobile broadband, high reliability, global coverage and responsive customer service.”
Joe Spytek, ITC Global’s founder and CEO says, “Panasonic Avionics’ global capabilities and leadership in satellite-based communication will enable ITC Global to enhance our core service offerings to all of our customers.”
Although in-flight communications has been available (in the US) since 2008, the service has not been able to keep up with the rapid popularity of personal mobile devices, which 97 percent of passengers are bringing on flights, leading to “Slow-Fi” and inconsistent connections.
“Other services capitalize on satellite power to boost services to the high-speed broadband range,” aviation reporter Marisa Garcia explains in an article. “Ultimately, the race for speed is driven by satellite companies and the partnerships they make with various connectivity providers.”
ITC Global and Panasonic Avionics will be discussing their collaboration during the Satellite 2015 Conference and Exhibition, being held March 16-19 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
Find out more on the global state of in-flight Wi-Fi.