Ethiopian Equips Its New A350-1000s with Thales’ Inflight Entertainment
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian Airlines Group has selected Thales‘ AVANT Up inflight entertainment solution for its upcoming aircraft Airbus A350-1000.
Ethiopian, a major customer of Airbus within Africa, has four A350-1000 jets in its current total order book and commitment of 33 A350 aircraft types.
This week, the carrier contracted Thales as an inflight entertainment supplier to equip its new A350-1000 aircraft with the latest technology inflight entertainment system.
“We are delighted to introduce the AVANT Up inflight entertainment solution for our upcoming Airbus A350-1000 aircraft where passengers will enjoy the finest immersive and cinematic experience,” Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said.
“The system provides several unique features that enable the passengers to remain excited throughout the flight, and arrive at their destination relaxed,” he added.
Thales’ AVANT Up Inflyt entertainment system will feature a new user interface to enhance passengers’ experience and digital services such as interactive maps and shopping. It also features includes two Bluetooth connections and built-in Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to pair multiple devices.
“Ethiopian has trusted Thales as an inflight entertainment supplier for more than a decade and now to equip its new A350-1000 aircraft with the latest AVANT Up IFE solution,” said Bruno Guinamand, Regional Vice President at Thales Inflyt Experience.
“Thales’ AVANT Up brings to Ethiopian the latest consumer technologies and capabilities to the aircraft,” he said, “Combining our Optiq 4K QLED HDR displays, award-winning dynamic power, and next generation digital services will bring exceptional experiences to Ethiopian’s passengers.”
Ethiopian Airlines, recipient of numerous prestigious awards including SKYTRAX “the best airline in Africa” for the sixth year in a row, says it will continue to invest in technology to elevate passengers’ onboard experience.
The Airlines already contracted Inmarsat’s GX Aviation connectivity to offer high-speed inflight broadband to passengers onboard its new upcoming A350-1000.
The first of Ethiopian Airlines’ Airbus A350-1000 aircraft on order is set to be delivered in the third quarter of 2024.
