IMG, a global leader in sports, fashion and media, and Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in Inflight Entertainment and Communication (IFEC), have signed a five year extension to their existing agreement, which will see Panasonic continue to provide the technology for Sport 24 – the world’s only live 24/7 sports channel for the airline industry.
Sport 24 is exclusively available on Panasonic’s market-leading live television system, eXTV, which is broadcast via satellite to over 250 specially-equipped planes on ten airlines, showing live coverage of major sporting events including the NBA, Formula 1™, the NFL, Barclays Premier League, Bundesliga, Grand Slam tennis and golf’s Majors.
Panasonic’s eXTV television network uses the company’s eXConnect in-flight Ku-band communications service, including the same Ku antenna and onboard components, to deliver high-quality television programming to passengers during their flight. It provides live, uninterrupted content to aircraft flying all over the world, even over oceans.
Richard Wise, Senior Vice President, IMG, said: “Sport 24 has revolutionised the way passengers watch sport on aircraft, watching live action from thousands of feet in the air as they travel for business or pleasure. IMG’s strong and long-standing relationships with federations have allowed us to negotiate these unique sporting rights and, together with our production expertise and facilities, provide a unique live offering to travellers.”
He added: “The relationship with Panasonic Avionics as the world leader in this field is fundamental to the success of Sport 24 and we are delighted to continue our partnership for another five years.”
David Bruner, Vice President, Global Communication Services with Panasonic Avionics Corporation, said: “We are very excited to continue our relationship with IMG. Over the past three years, Sport 24 has emerged as the most exciting and in-demand programming available through our global live television service. After all, nothing beats watching your favorite sport live, and with IMG we are now delivering the world’s most popular sporting events everywhere our customers fly.”
IMG owns Sport 24, which was launched in February 2012, and produces the channel from its London-based production facility at Stockley Park, near London’s Heathrow Airport. The channel is currently showing live action from the Rugby World Cup and has also broadcast live coverage of the last summer and winter Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup.
About IMG
IMG is a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, operating in more than 25 countries. The company represents and manages some of the world’s greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages thousands of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is the world’s largest independent producer and distributor of sports media. IMG also specializes in sports training; league development; and marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions. In 2014, IMG was acquired by WME, the world’s leading entertainment agency, to form WME | IMG.
About Panasonic Avionics Corporation
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world’s leading supplier of inflight entertainment and communication systems. The company’s best-in-class solutions, supported by professional maintenance services, fully integrate with the cabin enabling its customers to deliver the ultimate travel experiences with a rich variety of entertainment choices, resulting in improved quality communication systems and solutions, reduced time-to-market and lower overall costs.
Established in 1979, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, a U.S. corporation, is a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation. Headquartered in Lake Forest, California with over 4,100 employees and operations in 80 locations worldwide, it serves over 300 customers worldwide and provides IFEC systems on over 6,000 aircraft. For additional information, please visit www.panasonic.aero
