Ethiopian Equips Its New A350-1000s with Thales’ AVANT Up

Ethiopian Equips Its New A350-1000s with Thales’ AVANT Up

 Inflight Entertainment

Addis Ababa, November 15, 2023

Ethiopian Airlines Group, the fastest-growing global airline brand and the continent’s largest airline, is pleased to announce that it selects AVANT Up inflight entertainment solution for its upcoming aircraft Airbus A350-1000.

Ethiopian, a multi award winner including SKYTRAX awards for six years in a row, will introduce the latest technology inflight entertainment system from Thales Inflyt Experience with a new user interface to enhance passengers’ experience, several digital services such as, interactive maps, shopping, and meal and beverage selections.

(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)

Reiterating Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to continuously enhance customers’ onboard experience, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew 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 remain excited throughout the flight, and arrive at their destination relaxed.” 

Bruno GUINAMAND, Regional Vice President, Thales Inflyt Experience also 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.”

Thales’ AVANT Up features new OPTIQ 4k QLED HDR displays. It includes two Bluetooth connections and built-in Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to pair multiple devices. OPTIQ is designed with in-screen USB-A and USB-C charging ports giving passengers up to 70 watts to charge their ear pods, phones, tablets or laptops during the flight.

Recipient of numerous prestigious awards including SKYTRAX “the best airline in Africa” for the sixth year in a row, Ethiopian will continue to invest on technology to elevate passengers’ onboard experience.

The first of Ethiopian Airlines’ Airbus A350-1000 aircrafts on order is set to be delivered in the third quarter of 2024.  

About Ethiopian

Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-seven years of successful operations, Ethiopian, the fastest growing airline, has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and Bombardier Dash 8-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of seven years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate most of these aircraft. 

As a multi-award-winning airline, Ethiopian has been the champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for six consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years.  For more at: www.ethiopianairlines.com     

Email: CorporateCommunication@ethiopianairlines.com  

Contact: (251-11)517-8913/8165/8907 

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies within three domains: Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Digital Identity & Security. It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key areas such as quantum technologies, Far Edge computing, 6G and cybersecurity.

Thales has 77,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2022, the Group generated sales of €17.6 billion.

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Thales, Media Relations

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Thales, Media Relations

Civil Aeronautics

Chrystelle Dugimont

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chrystelle.dugimont@thalesgroup.com