To provide Panasonic Avionics Corporation with added capacity to address growing customer demand for its in-flight connectivity service, Hunter Communications and Eutelsat Americas, a subsidiary of Eutelsat Communications (Paris:ETL) (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) today announced the expansion of their multi-transponder contract on the EUTELSAT 115 West B satellite.
Since the all-electric satellite entered into service in October 2015, Panasonic Avionics has been using the North American beam of EUTELSAT 115 West B through its arrangement with Hunter to provide its customers with connectivity for domestic flights inside Canada, from Newfoundland to the Yukon. The additional capacity helps Panasonic address the growing demand from its customers on these routes.
Key to Panasonic’s selection of EUTELSAT 115 West B was the satellite’s outstanding performance, which comes from the beam having the highest power levels compared to alternatives, and an effective 4 degree spacing for most of Canada. This extra spacing allows for exceptional speed and cost performance, rivalling High Throughput Satellite (HTS) spotbeams.
David Bruner, VP of Global Sales at Panasonic Avionics, said: “This collaboration with long-time partners Hunter and Eutelsat is an example of Panasonic continuing to implement our ongoing plan to add substantial additional capacity to our global network, furthering our mission of adding value to our customers and delighting end-users.”
Brent Perrott, President of Hunter Communications, stated: “We are excited to continue growing with Eutelsat. EUTELSAT 115 West B’s exceptional performance across Canada has provided the ideal technical solution for our customers to expand their business through cost-effective alternatives as the beam reaches unprecedented power levels allowing for a significant benefit in cost by Mbps.”
Mike Antonovich, CEO of Eutelsat Americas, added: “We are delighted that our 15-year relationship with Hunter has resulted in the broadening of the capacity available to Panasonic in the Canadian market. The agreement we are announcing today reflects our commitment to continue to give complete satisfaction and to offer competitive solutions that meet booming connectivity needs across established and new markets.”