Singapore Airlines has issued a $400 million contract to Panasonic Avionics for advanced in-flight entertainment and communications (IFEC) systems for more than 40 new aircraft on firm order with Airbus and Boeing, Singapore Airlines confirmed Sept. 12.
   Panasonic Avionics will supply IFEC systems for 20 Airbus A350s due for delivery from 2014, as well as for 15 more Airbus A330-300 and eight more Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, deliveries of which are due to begin next year. Singapore Airlines will be the launch customer for Panasonic Avionics’ next-generation eX3 system for the A350s, as well as the first to deliver eX3 features on the B777-300ERs. In addition, SIA’s eX3 system will be the first to offer Panasonic’s Global Communications Suite on the A350s.
   “Singapore Airlines has always been a leader in providing the best in-flight entertainment to our customers but we need to constantly innovate to stay ahead of the competition. The contract with Panasonic Avionics will help us do just that,” Singapore Airlines Senior Vice President of Product and Services Tan Pee Teck said in a statement.