The new FlytEDGE Aura screens are all screen, with am ultra-thin bezel and small, swappable external ports module (image via Thales)
Thales InFlyt is taking inflight entertainment to new heights with the launch of its FlytEDGE Aura seatback screens. Redesigned for both aesthetics and technical improvements, Aura stakes a claim as the “lightest, brightest, and most powerful IFE solution” flying.
FlytEDGE Aura combines timeless design and stunning displays with future-proof technologies, empowering airlines to deliver extraordinary inflight experiences, while ensuring their fleets are ready for the future.
– Kurt Weidemeyer, Vice-President, Product Management for InFlyt Experience, Thales
Key to the new Aura platform is a shift to Tandem OLED displays. The company is the first to bring the technology to the inflight market. VP Product Management Kurt Weidemeyer was giddy sharing details of the offering, noting the Tandem OLED tech delivers “the best visual passenger solution there is today, with higher brightness, and lower power usage, making sure it lasts as long as our customers expect with no burn in.” He sees the technology as mature and durable, ready to take flight in
From a design perspective the screen transitions to a more modular architecture. Weidemeyer describes it as a “shell that will remain on that aircraft for the life of the aircraft,” with what the company calls “smarts, port, and screen modules.” This enables selective (and much less expensive) updates applied over time rather than requiring wholesale updates to the IFE infrastructure. This is similar to the FlytEDGE Onboard Data Center server architecture, where the blades can be upgraded to support more storage or processing capacity without ripping the core system off the aircraft.
Visually the screen module dominates now, with Aura shedding its “chin” of external ports. Which is not to say the ports will disappear.
A small “ports” module offers dual USB-C ports up to 120W and a headphones jack for passengers when the initial screens are delivered. That module can adjust over time, swapping out for whatever the next generation of connections demands with minimal recertification challenges and a lower cost than fully replacing the screen. Weidemeyer also teased the idea that, should an airline choose, the screens could lose those ports by offering a wireless charging solution and leveraging the Bluetooth headphones pairing. Not that he expects any airline would choose that path, but it is possible.
The “smarts” module features the latest processor chip from Qualcomm, boasting 6x the processing power of today’s screens. Keeping with the idea of modularity, Weidemeyer suggests even that could theoretically be upgraded if needed over the installed lifecycle of the screens. It also features dual Bluetooth, enabling pairing of a gaming controller and headphones, for example. And while screens are still wired into the aircraft, they now also feature a WiFi option as the “ultimate, ultimate, ultimate backup” in case the other networking on board drops. Screens should never lack a connection to the server. And hopefully there’s not too much of an RF mess in the cabin that impacts other network uses like passenger WiFi.
Finally, Weidemeyer notes that the Aura screens continue the forward/backward compatibility concept between the seat screens and server hardware, but with some limits. While the company’s Optiq screens (QLED tech) can still run against the AvantUp generation of server, Aura will require the FlytEDGE kit to fly.
Thales expects the first batch of FlytEDGE Aura screens to be available for retrofit installations in late 2028. Line-fit implementations should quickly follow in early 2029.
Did you enjoy the content? Or learn something useful? Or generally just think this is the type of story you'd like to see more of? Consider supporting the site through a donation (any amount helps). It helps keep me independent and avoiding the credit card schlock.
Seth Miller has over a decade of experience covering the airline industry. With a strong focus on passenger experience, Seth also has deep knowledge of inflight connectivity and loyalty programs. He is widely respected as an unbiased commentator on the aviation industry.
He is frequently consulted on innovations in passenger experience by airlines and technology providers.
Leave a Reply