IMG and Panasonic to make Sport 24 available to all airlines worldwide

IMG’s Sports 24 to be made available to all airlines worldwide

IMG and Panasonic Avionics Corporation have extended their partnership, making IMG’s Sport 24, the live 24/7 sports channel for the in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) industry, available to all airlines worldwide.

Panasonic will market both Sport 24 and its sister channel Sport 24 Extra to airlines using other connectivity networks for the first time, enabling the service to be shown on any carrier featuring in-flight entertainment. Both channels are produced from IMG’s production HQ at Stockley Park, near London’s Heathrow Airport.

Richard Wise, senior vice president, content and channels, IMG Media, said: “This latest agreement with Panasonic will bring Sport 24 to millions more passengers across more global airlines in the years ahead. This new deal also conveys the confidence both parties have in the recovery of the airline industry after the pandemic, especially now that vaccines are being rolled out around the world.

“Panasonic’s role as the official provider for our channels is a significant step in the growth of live sport as in-flight entertainment. Premium live coverage of the world’s major sports tournaments and events is a must-have for airlines wanting to engage with and cater to passengers as connectivity becomes more important. We’re proud to be part of this exciting development for the in-flight industry.”

Ken Sain, chief executive officer at Panasonic, added: “Our long standing relationship with IMG enables us to broadcast live sports coverage to passengers all over the world. Watching sport live in-flight creates unforgettable moments for passengers and we’re delighted to be able to exclusively provide this service to airlines, no matter which connectivity network they are using.”

In 2021, Sport 24 will show live coverage of the world’s major sporting events, including the rescheduled UEFA Euro 2020, Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Ryder Cup, in addition to the UEFA Champions League, Premier League and NBA, among many others.

Sport 24 is available on Panasonic’s live television service, which is broadcast via satellite.