Remember that story about Panasonic Avionics dropping its contract with EMS? Well, I’ve received a response…from EMS.
“While Panasonic did purchase Starling a few months ago, EMS/Honeywell remains a sub-contractor to Panasonic in the delivery of antennas. We are still very much involved in the project with Panasonic,” says an EMS spokeswoman.
“Panasonic Avionics (formerly Starling) manufactures the aperture portion of the antenna system. The aperture is designed to work with the positioner component of the antenna. After the aperture segment is manufactured, it is integrated with the positioner component, which is designed, manufactured and tested by EMS/Honeywell. EMS/Honeywell remains the Parts Manufacturing Approval authority for the antenna.
“EMS/Honeywell values its relationship with Panasonic on this project and remains dedicated to helping Panasonic fulfil its commitments to its customers.”
Last year Honeywell acquired EMS for about $491 million, net of cash acquired.
Sooooooooo, who else in making money in IFEC? Welcome aboard. Hold onto your seats. This is going to be some ride.
February 13, 2012 at 7:34 pm
Hello Mary,
I have a few questions for you. I do not understand something about Panasonic’s antennas. Last I knew they were approved to operate 50 antennas for the eXconnect in the US, based on the old MELCO antenna. I read about the deal with United Continental for 300 planes. Is there another antenna that Panasonic has approval for? Or are they in the process of approval? I could not find the information on the FCC site, and I saw how it took around a year and a half for the approval for the 50 antennas of Lufthansa. When would Panasonic’s antennas actually be able to operate on a fleet of domestic airplanes? Is this a move to scale up production ahead of the demand or is something else going on?
Thanks,
Brandon