Ever considered what might go on behind the scenes to enable airlines to offer inflight internet access or the live streaming of movies?

There might be a clue in a recent capacity deal, between IFE specialist Panasonic Avionics Corporation and global satellite operator SES, which will connect passengers on transatlantic flights. 

The deal sees Panasonic using the SES-6 satellite, launched in June, and its Ku-band mobility 'beams' to provide passengers with a high-speed entertainment and communications service.

The two-way broadband technology will also enable the airline to monitor operations data in real-time.

Both Panasonic and SES point to the growing demand for inflight communication supported by some figures pulled together by IFE Services earlier this year showing a 60% increase in aircraft equipped with wifi between 2011 and 2012.

Here's a clip of the satellite's pre-launch:

NB: Main picture, via SES, shows the new satellite in the thermal vacuum chamber