Aircraft Interior Technology

Ethiopian Installs Thales’ AVANT Up on latest A350-1000 fleet

Ethiopian Installs Thales' AVANT Up on latest A350-1000 fleet.
(Left to right) Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Group Chief Executive Officer– Ethiopian Airlines; Mr. Retta Melaku, Chief Operating Officer – Ethiopian Airlines; Mr. Mathieu Franco: Senior Account Manager - Thales InFlyt Experience, Bruno Guinamand, Regional Vice President - Thales InFlyt Experience

Ethiopian Airlines has upgraded its in-flight entertainment services with AVANT Up in its Airbus A350-100 fleet.

The leading airline on the continent and the fastest-growing global airline brand, Ethiopian Airlines Group, is happy to announce that it has chosen the AVANT Up in-flight entertainment system for its future Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.

Ethiopian, the recipient of numerous honours, including six SKYTRAX awards in a row, will debut the newest in-flight entertainment system from Thales Inflyt Experience, which boasts a new user interface to improve the traveller experience as well as a number of digital services like interactive maps, shopping, and meal and beverage options.

Mr. Mesfin Tasew, CEO Ethiopian Airlines Group said, «As we  endeavor to maintain our position as Africa’s number one and among the leading global airlines,  we know one of the key success factors is giving our passengers the best possible onboard  experience. 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. The system provides several unique features that enable the passengers to remain excited throughout the flight, and arrive at their destination relaxed.” 

The AVANT Up from Thales has brand-new OPTIQ 4k QLED HDR screens. Its two Bluetooth connections and integrated Wi-Fi enable travellers to pair more than one device.  Passengers can use OPTIQ’s on-screen USB-A and USB-C charging ports to charge their computers, phones, tablets, and earbuds while in flight with up to 70 watts of power.

Bruno GUINAMAND, Regional Vice President, Thales Inflyt Experience said,  “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. Thales’  AVANT Up brings to Ethiopian the latest consumer technologies and capabilities to the aircraft.  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, the recipient of multiple major accolades, including SKYTRAX “the best airline in Africa” for the sixth consecutive year, is determined to improve the onboard experience for its passengers by continuing to invest in technology.

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The first Airbus A350-1000 aircraft ordered by Ethiopian Airlines is scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2024.