Emirates’ A350-900 aircraft gets Thales’ Avant Up ICE system
With 4K QLED HDR displays
On January 3, 2025, a milestone in aviation history was reached as Emirates’ first A350-900 took off from Dubai, heading to Edinburgh, Scotland. The occasion was momentous because of the aircraft’s design and the cutting-edge in-flight entertainment system it was equipped with: the Avant Up, developed by Thales.
Emirates’ partnership with Thales marks the beginning of a new era in air travel. The next-generation ‘ice’ IFE (in-flight entertainment) system will offer the Dubai-based airline’s passengers a premium experience.
One of the Avant Up system’s standout elements is its 4K QLED HDR displays. These screens deliver an unparalleled cinematic experience and offer the best picture quality on any aircraft.
The ultra-responsive touchscreens allow passengers to navigate the expansive ‘ice’ entertainment library effortlessly. Two Bluetooth connections allow passengers to pair multiple devices, while the built-in Wi-Fi ensures they stay connected throughout their flight. Thales’ advanced power management solution allows for up to 60W of in-screen charging capacity, ensuring that passengers’ devices remain fully charged for the journey ahead.
The Avant Up system enhances and transforms the in-flight experience. It allows Emirates to offer a fully personalised journey for each passenger. Through various digital services and applications, passengers can save their preferences, continue watching their favourite shows, and receive tailored recommendations based on their viewing history. They can even access real-time gate information, making travel smoother than ever.
In another industry first, the A350’s Avant Up system first features live TV with “happening now” content such as sports, news, and special events. Passengers can stay up-to-date with current events while soaring through the skies.
Additionally, the system boasts a unique digital video recording feature, redefining entertainment by allowing passengers to pause and record their favourite shows. Emirates offers iceMoments, a fresh way to enjoy videos in bite-sized formats for those who prefer short-form content.
The in-flight entertainment system is innovative and designed with accessibility in mind. Emirates and Thales have introduced a user interface for passengers with vision needs, including audio cue navigation, voice metadata feedback, and touch and swipe gestures. The system also offers a rich selection of audio-descriptive content, making air travel more inclusive.
As Niels Steenstrup, CEO of Thales InFlyt Experience, stated: “We are excited for Emirates passengers to experience the next generation of in-flight entertainment on ice powered by AVANT Up. Together, we accelerate the future of IFE, constantly elevating the benchmark of inflight experience.”
Hero image: One of the standout elements of the Avant Up system is its 4K QLED HDR displays. Credit: Thales
