Middle East Airlines-Air Liban (MEA) has selected Panasonic Avionics (Panasonic) to provide inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for 15 of its Airbus A321 family aircraft.
The Lebanese carrier received its first A321neo earlier this week. The aircraft has a two-class layout with 28 seats in Business and 132 in Economy.
The airline has ordered 9 A321neos and all will get the new IFEC system. They will be linefitted with Panasonic’s eX1 seatback IFE solution, designed specifically for narrowbody aircraft.
eX1 offers full HD seatback monitors, complete with touch displays and handsets, and an intuitive, personalised interface. Passengers will have access to USB and laptop charging power points at every seat as well.
MEA’s A321neos will also be fitted with Panasonic’s inflight Wi-Fi service, with a host of next generation connectivity benefits from fast internet to video streaming, all powered by its new satellite modem which offers bandwidth up to twenty times greater than previously available.
Mohamad El Hout, Chairman – Director General of MEA:
“We are happy to partner again with Panasonic Avionics. MEA’s new aircraft is equipped with its state-of-the-art inflight entertainment systems including WiFi connectivity for the first time, reflecting the company’s ambition to provide customers with the best products the industry has to offer.”
Ken Sain, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics:
“We are delighted to be partnering with Middle East Airlines to enhance the passenger experience on their A321 family aircraft with our world-class inflight entertainment and connectivity.
“The Middle East is a dynamic and strategically important region for Panasonic Avionics.”
About Middle East Airlines (ME)
Middle East Airlines is the national airline of Lebanon. From its home base at Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Middle East Airlines flies to 32 international destinations in Europe, Middle East and West Africa.
Routes: 32 international destinations in Europe, Middle East and West Africa.
Fleet: An all Airbus fleet currently comprising:
- 5 Airbus A330
- 9 Airbus A320
- 1 Airbus A321neo (with 8 more on order)
Alliance: SkyTeam
N.B. Image credit: Airbus
