Panasonic Avionics has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China Telecom Satellite to jointly develop, implement and support in-flight connectivity solutions for the Chinese market.

The signing of the MOU will also make possible the first ever provision of in-flight connectivity to Panasonic’s 36 non-Chinese customer airlines when flying into and over China.

Both parties are working to complete their formal contract over the coming weeks and plan to begin offering commercial in-flight connectivity services in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Panasonic Avionics’ eXConnect system uses a global Ku-band aeronautical satellite network to deliver in-flight broadband connectivity.

[Image courtesy: Panasonic]