A rendering of Sky Perfect JSAT’s Superbird-9. Photo: Airbus

Sky Perfect JSAT (JSAT) has signed a new multi-year agreement with Panasonic Avionics as it looks to increase revenues from the domestic in-flight connectivity (IFC) market. The new deal was announced Oct. 31. Panasonic Avionics will use capacity on Sky Perfect JSAT’s Superbird-9 satellite to contribute to its strategic expansion plans to deliver higher-speed internet and enhance in-flight experiences for airline passengers over Japan.

Superbird-9 is a next-generation satellite ordered in 2021, which will have the largest capacity in the history of Sky Perfect JSAT satellites. Based on the Airbus’ OneSat satellite system and its fully digital, highly flexible payload, Superbird-9 will be capable of reconfiguring its service area, capacity and frequency while in orbit to meet the demands of the evolving market, for example, by effectively allocating capacity between congested and non-congested areas in response to the needs of aero customers.

Service on Superbird-9 is scheduled to start in the first half of 2027. Sky Perfect JSAT said this pre-launch commitments will help the company offer service at the earliest possible timing. Until then, capacity for Panasonic Avionics will be increased in phases, with other satellites.

“We are building on our long-standing partnership with Panasonic Avionics, and it is our joint commitment to elevate the in-flight experience and to deliver market-leading connectivity to passengers. With the introduction of the cutting-edge Superbird-9 satellite to Panasonic Avionics, we will continue to deliver forward-looking solutions together,” Yutaka Moriai, Executive Officer, Group President of SKY Perfect JSAT’s Global Business Group, said in a statement.