A China Eastern Airlines flight. Photo: China Eastern Airlines

[Via Satellite 07-24-2014] China Eastern Airlines has equipped an Airbus A330 aircraft with In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) capability. China Telecom Satellite is providing the service through Panasonic’s eXConnect system. The first aircraft is dedicated to routes between Shanghai and Beijing so government officials can evaluate the service prior to granting approval for other domestic and international flight paths.

China Eastern Airlines plans to equip 22 more aircraft with Wi-Fi service tailored to the “unique requirements of China,” as well as an additional six B767s and 20 B777 aircraft.

“After years of close collaboration with China Eastern Airlines and China Telecom Satellite, we are now witnessing the next step in the evolution of in-flight entertainment over China,” said Margis, president and CEO of Panasonic Avionics.