In-flight internet service picked up some speed over China. Panasonic Avionics Corporation (PAC) completed activation of its extreme high throughput (XTS) satellite payload via four teleports in the region, including one in mainland China.

China and the Asia Pacific region is a strategically important market for Panasonic Avionics and a key priority in our roadmap for introducing increased satellite capacity. Chinese airlines can now enhance their in-flight experience and brand value by enabling their passengers to enjoy our industry-leading connectivity in the skies.

– Jeff Sare, Vice President of In-Flight Connectivity Services at Panasonic Avionics Corporation

Maturing China Coverage

PAC reported the APSTAR 6D satellite active in February 2021, increasing capacity across the Asia Pacific region. Bringing the China capacity online required additional integration with a local ground station. With that testing completed and the Beijing teleport online, airlines flying over China can take advantage of the boost in available bandwidth. Other active teleports for the satellite include Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and Perth.

APSTAR 6D provides airlines flying across Asia Pacific with multiple gigahertz of new Ku-band capacity over China, including high-density air traffic routes across East Asia using XTS spot beams. APSTAR delivers 90 beams across the whole region, and 50 Gbps in capacity.

Growing capacity globally

Capacity on APSTAR 6D is an integral part of Panasonic Avionics’ third-generation communications (Gen-3) network of high speed, high bandwidth Ku-band satellites. The network, covering over 99% of all routes, places capacity where it is most needed to meet the growing needs of airlines and their passengers.

The company plans to activate additional capacity over Russia this month with SES NSS-12 satellite. Further capacity will also be added over the Middle East this autumn on the SES12 HTS satellite.

The next XTS satellite to join Panasonic Avionics’ Gen-3 network, Eutelsat 10B, is due to launch next year, entering into service in 2023. It will provide enhanced connectivity to airlines and their passengers flying over Europe and the Middle East.