Ethiopian Airlines has chosen Thales AVANT as the in-flight entertainment (IFE) system for its new A350-1000 aircraft.
Africa’s largest airline is introducing the 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.
Ethiopian has four A350-1000s on order and expects to receive the first in Q3 2024.
The carrier currently operates a fleet of 20 A350-900s and has just ordered 11 more.
Thales AVANT
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.
Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO:
“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:
“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.”
About Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines is the flag carrier of Ethiopia and is wholly Government-owned. It is the largest African airline and has an average fleet age of just 5 years.
Routes: The airline flies to over 120 international destinations in Africa, Asia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and the USA.
Fleet: Ethiopian operates a large Boeing fleet and is also Africa’s biggest Airbus A350 customer. It operates over 140 passenger aircraft, including:
- 20 Airbus A350-900
- 29 Boeing B737
- 2 Boeing 767
- 10 Boeing B777
- 29 Boeing B787
- 32 Bombardier Dash8-400
Ethiopian has orders for:
- 4 Airbus A350-1000
- 11 Airbus A350-900
- 9 Boeing 787-9
- 13 Boeing 737 MAX 8
(Figures for the 737 are not exact. All figures are taken from Ethiopian, Airbus, Boeing and other reputable sites).
Passenger numbers: Over 13 million passengers in fiscal year 2022/23.
Alliance: Star Alliance
