Emirates and Thales Launch Innovative In-Flight Entertainment System on A350-900: A New Era in Air Travel Experience
January 3, 2025 | Inflight Entertainment
By Robynne Trueman
On January 3, 2025, Emirates Airlines marked a significant milestone in its commitment to enhancing passenger experiences with the introduction of its newly acquired A350-900 aircraft, which took off on its inaugural flight from Dubai to Edinburgh. This flight not only represents a leap forward in aviation technology but also underscores Emirates’ dedication to improving in-flight entertainment (IFE) through a partnership with Thales, a global leader in advanced technology solutions.
At the heart of this innovation is Thales’s AVANT Up IFE system, which has been designed to elevate the in-flight experience to unprecedented heights. Emirates has embraced the latest generation of its renowned “ice” IFE system, incorporating more than 30 updated features. With each new aircraft that joins its fleet, the airline continues to integrate state-of-the-art solutions aimed at providing passengers with entertainment and services that cater to diverse preferences and needs.
The AVANT Up system utilizes 4K QLED HDR displays, delivering ultra-high-definition visuals that create a cinematic experience in the sky. Passengers can expect ultra-responsive touchscreens designed for effortless navigation through a broad catalog of on-demand entertainment options. Each seat is equipped with the ability to connect up to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, allowing travelers to enjoy seamless audio experiences without the hassle of cords. Furthermore, built-in Wi-Fi ensures that passengers remain connected even while airborne.
What sets Thales’ innovative system apart is its advanced power management solution. The IFE system supports up to 60W of in-screen charging capacity, ensuring that passengers can keep their devices charged and ready for use throughout their journey. This feature is particularly valuable in an age when connectivity is key, allowing travelers to remain engaged with both work and leisure despite being thousands of feet above ground.
The AVANT Up system also facilitates a personalized journey tailored to individual passenger preferences. By enabling users to log in at their seat, Emirates allows passengers to save their preferences and continue viewing their favorite content seamlessly. Moreover, the IFE system can generate curated recommendations based on a passenger’s viewing history, providing personalized interactions that enhance satisfaction during flights.
In addition to on-demand entertainment, travelers aboard the A350 can indulge in unique experiences, such as live TV streaming of events like sports, news, and other significant happenings in real time. The inclusion of a Digital Video Recording capability further revolutionizes in-flight entertainment, letting passengers record and binge-watch content, an innovation that sets a new standard for entertainment at 30,000 feet.
Among the standout features introduced is iceMoments, a fresh way for travelers to enjoy short video formats, offering quick bursts of content that cater to shorter attention spans. The user interface has been thoughtfully designed to include smart search engines, simplified navigation controls, and engaging visual experiences for children.
A notable advancement is the introduction of an interface specifically designed for passengers with vision assistance needs. This inclusive feature includes audio-cue navigation assistance, voice feedback, touch, and swipe gesture controls, as well as an extensive collection of audio-descriptive content. Such enhancements reflect a commendable commitment to ensuring that all passengers enjoy a dignified and inclusive travel experience.
In a statement regarding this collaboration, Niels Steenstrup, CEO of Thales InFlyt Experience, expressed pride in partnering with Emirates for this venture. “We are excited for Emirates passengers to experience the next-generation of in-flight entertainment on ice powered by AVANT Up,” he stated. This collaboration seeks to redefine and elevate the benchmark for airline IFE systems, signaling a bright future for the aviation industry as it evolves to meet the changing demands of travelers.
As airlines continuously explore ways to enhance passenger experiences, the collaboration between Emirates and Thales illustrates a significant leap forward in the integration of technology and air travel, ensuring that journeys are not only about reaching a destination but also about enjoying an enriched traveling experience.
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