Emirates’ next generation of planes will show off the next generation of the airline’s ice inflight entertainment solution, delivered on the Thales AVANT Up platform. The update entertainment solution is part of a $350 million investment by the airline in the passenger experience on the upcoming fleet.
Our investment in next-generation Thales systems for our new A350 fleet will further our lead and enable us to deliver even better experiences to our customers. – Adel al Redha, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer
Every seat on board will be fitted with an Optiq 4K QLED HDR screen. These displays offer two Bluetooth connections, built-in Wi-Fi for passengers to pair multiple devices including phones, tablets, headphones or even game controllers, while supporting up to 60 watts USB-C to fast-charge personal devices.
Passengers will also be able to interact with the system via expanded personal electronic device (PED) capabilities. The user interface will see improvements, including an option which enables visually impaired passengers to have an immersive experience.
The new system from Thales will also provide an enhanced ‘live’ television solution that offers a broader choice of live television and news in the highest available definition at 40,000 feet.
Emirates is also the first airline globally to select Thales’ Pulse, a patented power management technology. It ensures individual charging performance is unaffected no matter how many users are charging their devices at the same time.
Thales also notes that the IFE platform “will be integrated with Emirates’ preferred next generation connectivity solution.” There have been hints as to which company the airline selected to deliver that service, but it is not confirmed.
The carrier has 50 A350-900 aircraft on order, with deliveries expected to begin in 2024.
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