Panasonic Avionics, a supplier of in-flight engagement and connectivity (IFEC) technologies, has opened a new software design and development facility in Pune, India. Staff at the facility (200+ engineers at launch, with plans for more) will create IFEC software in the facility’s state-of-the-art laboratories.
Panasonic Avionics claims that the facility is the first in India that is dedicated to supporting the development and delivery of IFEC systems. A range of software will be developed, tested and sustained at the site, including enterprise software tools that are self-service and designed to lower IFEC solution lifecycle costs for airline customers; interactive tools that enable airlines to create unique seatback passenger experiences; IFEC development support via SDKs (software development kits); and mobile companion apps.
Ken Sain, chief executive officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation, said of the opening: “With its huge number of skilled engineers, and fast-growing aviation sector, India is a natural location for us to invest in for the future of our business, and we look forward to accelerating our software innovation and design capabilities from our new Pune facility.”
Manish Sharma, chairman of Panasonic Life Solutions India and South Asia, and director of Panasonic Avionics India, said: “India has become synonymous with capability, when it comes to software talent. Today, India is providing IT support and IT services to the world, and Panasonic has invested in setting up innovation centres and global capability centres to provide high-quality services to our other subsidiaries across the world. Panasonic Avionics’ facility in Pune is the latest in our series of investments in India, and we are looking to cater to multiple markets and airlines with innovative solutions for IFEC.”
In order to accelerate the growth of the Pune facility, Panasonic Avionics is developing partnerships with universities in the state of Maharashtra, and right across India, to nurture and develop skilled engineering graduates.
