New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
Panasonic IFE for Israir Airlines A320s
Panasonic Avionics Corporation has been selected to provide inflight entertainment systems on three Airbus A320s owned by Tel Aviv-based Israir Airlines.
The aircraft are being equipped with the Panasonic Digital Multiplexed Passenger Entertainment System (DMPES), an overhead system. One aircraft has already been outfitted.
Panasonic’s DMPES is an audio and video distribution inflight entertainment system for narrowbody aircraft such as the A320. The system incorporates Panasonic's X Series System, which reduces space, weight and power when compared with traditional overhead systems. The 10.4" touchscreen crew panel has been developed to provide a user-friendly and easy access point for the crew.
"We are very pleased to have Israir as a new customer and are looking forward to working closely with them to manage and support their IFEC system," remarked Paul Margis, chief executive officer of Panasonic Avionics. "Israir's selection of Panasonic's inflight entertainment system will help strengthen the airline's competitive advantage by taking the inflight experience to a higher level for its passengers."
"We are very impressed with Panasonic's global support network, and having local support based in Tel Aviv was important in our decision to choose the Panasonic DMPES," explained Tamir Jacoby, service manager at Israir. "Also, the quality and innovation of the product is in line with the high expectations of our passengers, who want a rich and seamless ground-to-air inflight entertainment experience."
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