AIX2012: Panasonic takes controlling stake in AeroMobile

Announcing the deal alongside the Aircraft Interiors evenit in Hamburg, analysts said the transaction underscored Panasonic’s commitment to AeroMobile and to its eXPhone product, as  a key element in the company’s long term in-flight connectivity and communications strategy. 

Telenor, which previously was AeroMobile’s sole owner, remains the only other shareholder and said it will continue to bring its longstanding expertise in telecoms to AeroMobile.

Yasu Enokido, President and Chief Operating Officer (above) for Panasonic Avionics Corporation said, “This is a natural extension of Panasonic Avionics’ longstanding partnership with AeroMobile.  We believe that, as a result of this transaction, our customers will benefit from an increased level of integration between our two companies.”

Pål Bjørdal, AeroMobile's President and Chief Executive Officer added, "We are very excited to strengthen our ability to offer the highest levels of service to our airline customers and their passengers.  We believe that this arrangement demonstrates the importance of this business both to Telenor and Panasonic, and by taking an active ownership position, Panasonic is clearly demonstrating its commitment to supporting this business in the future.”

Moving forward, AeroMobile will continue to operate as an independent company, offering industry-leading in-flight voice and data services. The company will continue to maintain and expand its global telecom roaming agreements and bring the AeroMobile service to an ever widening group of passengers.

eXPhone is offered by Panasonic, in collaboration with AeroMobile's in-flight mobile phone service. It allows passengers to use their mobile phones, smart phones and BlackBerry devices to make and receive voice calls and SMS text messages in flight, along with data services such as emails.