Ethiopian equips new A350s with Thales’s AVANT Up Inflight Entertainment

Pictured above at the contract signing ceremony (left to right): ​ Mesfin Tasew, Group Chief Executive Officer – Ethiopian Airlines Group; Retta Melaku, COO – Ethiopian Airlines; Mathieu Franco, Senior Account Manager - Thales InFlyt Experience; Bruno Guinamand, Regional Vice President - Thales InFlyt Experience.

Ethiopian, a multi-award-winning airline, 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, incorporating several digital services including interactive maps, shopping, and meal and beverage selections.

Bruno GUINAMAND, Regional Vice President, Thales Inflyt Experience, comments: “Ethiopian has trusted Thales as an inflight entertainment supplier for more than a decade and is 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.”

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 in-flight 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 ​ enabling ​ passengers to be entertained throughout the flight and arrive at their destination relaxed.” ​

Thales’s 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 in technology to elevate passengers’ onboard experience.

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

About Ethiopian Airlines

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 A350-900s 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. ​

• Find out more: www.ethiopianairlines.com ​
• Further information about Thales's in-flight entertainment offering