Panasonic Avionics Opens New Software Development Facility in Pune
Hinjawadi, 17th July 2024: Panasonic Avionics Corporation, a global leader in in-flight engagement and connectivity (IFEC) solutions, has inaugurated a new software design and development facility in Hinjawadi, Pune, India. Established in 1979, Panasonic Avionics has been at the forefront of transforming in-flight experiences, providing services to over 200 leading airlines worldwide with its innovative engagement, satellite Wi-Fi connectivity, and digital offerings.
The launch event was graced by the Minister of State for Civil Aviation & Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol. He was welcomed by Ken Sain, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation, and Manish Sharma, Chairman of Panasonic Life Solutions India and South Asia, and Director of Panasonic Avionics India.
“The aviation sector in India is growing rapidly. Panasonic Avionics has played an important role in providing technologies to the airlines”, Mohol said.
Ken Sain remarked, “Innovative, future-focused software is central to every IFEC solution we develop, creating a digital channel that enhances airline-passenger engagement. India, with its vast pool of skilled engineers and burgeoning aviation sector, is a natural choice for our investment. Our new Pune facility will boost our software innovation and design capabilities.”
Satyen Yadav, Chief Technology Officer of Panasonic Avionics, added, “This is a significant milestone in our mission to deliver personalized digital experiences for airline passengers. We are excited to bring cutting-edge software solutions to both regional and global customers and to expand our software talent in Pune.”
Manish Sharma emphasized India’s role in the global IT landscape, stating, “India has become synonymous with software capability. Panasonic has invested in innovation and global capability centers here to provide high-quality services worldwide. Our new Pune facility continues this investment, catering to multiple markets and airlines with innovative IFEC solutions.”
The Pune facility, the first in India dedicated to IFEC solutions, employs over 200 skilled engineers at launch, with plans to expand. This facility supports Panasonic Avionics’ strategy of enabling airlines to achieve their passenger digital engagement goals using innovative IFEC solutions and best-in-class enterprise software tools.
The state-of-the-art laboratories at the facility will develop, test, and sustain a range of software, delivering exceptional passenger experiences for narrowbody and widebody aircraft. This includes the X Series in-flight entertainment system and digital solutions such as airline interactives, SDKs (software development kits), and mobile companion apps.
Panasonic Avionics is also forging partnerships with universities across Maharashtra and India to nurture and develop skilled engineering graduates, further accelerating the growth of the new facility.
Panasonic’s investment in Pune is part of its broader strategy in India, where it has been active since 1972. The Pune facility, developed through a ‘build-operate-transfer’ (BOT) model initiated in 2021, signifies a major step forward in the company’s commitment to expanding its software design and development capabilities in India.
