Emirates introduces inflight entertainment on A350-900 with Thales

Emirates celebrated the maiden flight of its first A350-900 aircraft, from Dubai to Edinburgh, equipped with Thales’s cutting-edge AVANT Up inflight entertainment (IFE) system. This collaboration marks the introduction of the next-generation ‘ice’ IFE system, featuring over 30 innovative enhancements to elevate the passenger experience.

The AVANT Up system sets new benchmarks with 4K QLED HDR displays, offering unparalleled cinematic quality and ultra-responsive touchscreens. Each display supports two Bluetooth connections, enabling passengers to pair multiple devices, and includes built-in Wi-Fi. With Thales’s advanced power management, passengers can enjoy in-screen charging of up to 60W, ensuring their devices remain fully charged during the flight. AVANT Up revolutionises onboard services by allowing passengers to log in at their seat, save preferences, and receive tailored recommendations based on viewing history. The system also provides personalised connecting gate information, enhancing convenience for travellers.

"Thales is honoured to celebrate alongside Emirates the airline’s first A350 taking flight. We are excited for Emirates passengers to experience the next-generation of in-flight entertainment on ice powered by AVANT Up,” said Niels Steenstrup, Chief Executive Officer, Thales InFlyt Experience. “We are proud to partner with Emirates in their mission to fly better. Together, we accelerate the future of IFE to constantly elevate the benchmark of inflight experience.”

Passengers on Emirates’ A350 will enjoy industry-first event-based live TV, offering “happening now” content such as sports and news. The system introduces Digital Video Recording, letting passengers pause and replay live broadcasts. Additional features include iceMoments, short-format videos, and a smart navigation bar with advanced search capabilities.

Emirates and Thales have also prioritised accessibility with an award-winning user interface supporting vision assistance. Features include audio-cue navigation, touch gesture controls, and a range of audio-descriptive content, ensuring inclusivity for all passengers.