Panasonic (News - Alert) Avionics Corporation has entered into a global joint venture by collaborating with SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) to start Asia’s first in-flight entertainment and communications (IFEC) hub in Singapore. Panasonic Avionics’ IFEC systems and components will now be maintained, revamped and renovated at this facility.

The Chairman of the Economic Development Board, Leo Yip, has formally inaugurated this joint venture, known as PACSS, where SIAEC owns a 43.5 percent stake and a Panasonic Avionics owns 57.5 percent. Asia’s ever-increasing requirements for dependable IFEC operations will be now met with by PACSS’s IFEC Centre of Excellence.

In a release, Yip said, "I am delighted that Panasonic Avionics Corporation and SIA Engineering Company have chosen Singapore for their in-flight entertainment and communications systems MRO Centre-of-Excellence in Asia. Singapore is committed to growing and deepening our capabilities in avionics. This new centre will further strengthen Singapore's position as the leading MRO hub in Asia."

Airlines will be offered quick IFEC checks when they are transiting at Singapore’s Changi Airport, thanks to the proficiency of Panasonic Avionics Corporation and service from SIAEC.

William Tan, CEO of SIAEC, said, "We are honoured that Panasonic, a global leader in in-flight entertainment systems, has chosen SIAEC as its partner to develop the first IFEC Centre of Excellence in Asia. The new facility joins our suite of 15 joint ventures in Singapore, which are forged with leading OEMs. Over the years, SIAEC and its OEM partners have invested S$600 million in establishing cutting-edge aerospace capabilities in Singapore. Through these OEM facilities, airlines have direct access to OEM support, spares and proprietary technology. These benefits, integrated seamlessly with the MRO services of SIAEC, offer airlines a one-stop solution to achieve higher operational reliability and faster turnaround at lower cost."