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WestJet nabs Panasonic to re-vamp its IFE system

Feb. 14, 2014, Calgary - WestJet announced Friday it has signed a multi-year agreement with Panasonic Avionics Corporation to provide the airline with a new inflight entertainment system with the ability to feature wireless satellite Internet connectivity, live streaming television, on-demand movies, and magazines.


February 14, 2014  By The Calgary Herald

Passengers will be able to use their personal electronic device or
laptop computer to receive live and stored content streamed wirelessly
from a server on board each WestJet Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft.
Airtime packages will also be available to surf the Internet and access
email. Tablets will be available for people not travelling with a
device.

 

Panasonic will install the system on one WestJet Boeing
Next Generation aircraft before the end of 2014. The system will be
installed on WestJet’s fleet over the next few years.

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“We are very
excited to take the next step in the evolution of our inflight
entertainment system,” said Marshall Wilmot, WestJet’s vice-president of
product and distribution, in a news release. “We were proud to be the
first Canadian airline to offer live television on board our aircraft
beginning in 2004, and today we are announcing a completely new system
designed to offer WestJet guests a broader selection of entertainment
options than ever before.”

 

“We know that roughly 75 per cent of
our guests are bringing their own devices on board today. They tell us
they want the opportunity to connect to check their email, put the
finishing touches on a presentation or keep in touch with family and
friends.”

 

WestJet said it will install USB/110 volt power outlets for charging.

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