Thales strengthens its partnership with HNA Group
Thales will equip the subsidiary airlines of HNA Group with its latest In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system on its fleet of 42 wide-body A330 and 17 A350 XWB aircraft. The first AVANT A330 aircraft has entered into service in late 2017 and the first AVANT A350 aircraft is expected to enter into service in the 3rd Quarter of 2018.
Key Points
- Thales selected by HNA Group to equip new 42 A330 and 17 A350 XWB fleet with the latest IFE innovations.
- AVANT IFE and Ka-band connectivity will be fully integrated on the A330 and A350 to provide a premium passenger experience.
HNA group manages several subsidiary airlines, including Hainan airlines, Capital Airlines, Tianjin Airlines, Lucky Air and West Air. In 2017, Hainan Airlines was honored as Top 10 Airlines by SKYTRAX, a global research firm and provider of professional aviation evaluation services with a focus on airline and airport services. The subsidiary airlines of HNA group already have a combined fleet of over 50 A330 aircraft flying with Thales IFE systems. HNA Group鈥檚 selection of Thales is a further demonstration of the carriers trust in Thales鈥檚 commitment to making the travel experience more enjoyable for their passengers.
As part of this commitment, Thales is investing resources in the region to further enhance the integration of software and media capabilities that will enrich passenger experience and satisfy local market demands.
鈥We are proud of our long-term successful relationship with HNA Group. The selection of Thales AVANT IFE and connectivity solutions is a testimony to our continued investment in the region. We look forward to partnering with HNA Group to develop innovative solutions that enrich the passenger experience.鈥
Dominique Giannoni, CEO, Thales InFlyt Experience
AVANT, Thales鈥檚 state-of-the-art Android IFE solution, will provide HNA Group Airlines鈥 passengers a highly customizable experience with a robust selection of features and applications. The new fleet will be equipped with the latest AVANT full high-definition monitors, the most lightweight ever deployed, featuring the Avii Touch Passenger Media Unit. Avii provides intuitive navigation, full android smartphone look and feel, and acts as a second entertainment screen. Integration of Ka-band connectivity to the AVANT IFE system will provide a fully connected premium passenger experience.
Thales FlytCARE, the nose-to-tail- maintenance of in-flight technology ensuring the highest levels of performance, already provided on current HNA Group Airline fleet, will be expanded to these new aircraft. The dedicated Aircraft Technical Services team, will support system reliability for the enhancement of passenger experience.
Thales provides innovative solutions for the infrastructure that forms the backbone of China鈥檚 growth. The Group has been active in China for more than 30 years and is a trusted partner for the Chinese aviation and urban rail transportation industries. Thales employs 1,300 people in China, 95% of whom are Chinese nationals.
About HNA Group Co. Limited
HNA Group鈥檚 mission is to forge connections around the world by building a global company focused on improving the movement of people, goods and capital. Established in 1993, HNA Group has evolved from a regional airline based on Hainan Island in southern China into a Fortune 幺力视频 500 global company with approximately $145 billion of assets, over $90 billion in annual revenues, and an international workforce of 410,000 employees globally. HNA Group is a global company with diversified business interests that align with its six core pillars: HNA Technology, HNA Tourism, HNA Capital, HNA Holding, HNA Innovation Finance and HNA Modern Logistics.