Emirates Introduces Next-Generation IFE System on Its A350-900 Fleet. Passengers boarding Emirates’ brand-new Airbus A350-900 can now experience a groundbreaking evolution in inflight entertainment. With the introduction of Thales’ AVANT Up system, Emirates has taken its award-winning ‘ice’ inflight entertainment to the next level, promising unparalleled convenience, connectivity, and entertainment.
This state-of-the-art system, featuring 4K HDR ultra-responsive touchscreens, advanced power management, and dual Bluetooth connectivity, is a testament to Emirates’ commitment to redefining the passenger experience. On January 3, 2025, the airline celebrated the inaugural flight of its first A350-900 from Dubai to Edinburgh, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter for its fleet of 65 new aircraft.
Setting a New Standard: Thales’ AVANT Up Technology
The AVANT Up inflight entertainment system, designed by Thales, represents a leap forward in passenger-centric technology. At the heart of the system are ultra-high-definition 4K QLED HDR displays, offering the most vivid picture quality available on any aircraft. These screens are paired with intuitive, ultra-responsive touchscreens for seamless navigation, ensuring a cinema-like experience for passengers at every seat.
Moreover, the AVANT Up system introduces dual Bluetooth connectivity, allowing passengers to pair multiple devices simultaneously. Need to charge your devices? The built-in 60W USB-C fast charging capability ensures that passengers can stay powered throughout the flight.
Personalization at Its Best: A Tailored Experience for Every Passenger
One of the most innovative features of the AVANT Up system is its ability to deliver a highly personalized experience. Passengers can log in to their seat’s system, saving their preferences for future flights. The system’s smart capabilities include curating entertainment recommendations based on viewing history, sharing personalized travel updates such as connecting gate information, and much more.
By leveraging advanced digital services, Emirates has ensured that every passenger’s journey feels uniquely tailored, whether they are traveling for business, leisure, or anything in between.
Breaking New Ground with Industry-First Features
Flying on the A350-900 introduces passengers to several industry-first features. Among them is event-based live TV, enabling passengers to watch real-time sports, news, and special events with the unique “happening now” functionality. Additionally, a digital video recording feature allows passengers to pause, rewind, and replay live TV, redefining how we consume entertainment at 30,000 feet.
For those who prefer shorter content formats, the system offers ‘iceMoments,’ a new feature designed to deliver bite-sized entertainment. A redesigned user interface further enhances the experience, making it intuitive and enjoyable for adults and children alike.
Commitment to Accessibility: Travel for All
Emirates and Thales are equally dedicated to inclusivity. The new AVANT Up system includes a user interface specifically designed for passengers with vision assistance needs. Features such as audio-cue navigation, voice metadata feedback, touch and swipe gesture controls, and a robust library of audio-descriptive content ensure a seamless experience for all travelers, regardless of their abilities.
This commitment to accessibility reflects both companies’ focus on creating a more inclusive and equitable travel environment.
The Future of Inflight Entertainment
Niels Steenstrup, Chief Executive Officer of Thales InFlyt Experience, expressed his excitement about this partnership: “Thales is honored to celebrate alongside Emirates the airline’s first A350 taking flight. 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.”
As more A350-900 aircraft join the Emirates fleet, passengers can look forward to exploring an ever-expanding suite of innovative features designed to make their journeys more comfortable, connected, and entertaining.
Share Your Thoughts!
What do you think about Emirates’ new inflight entertainment system? Are you excited to try the AVANT Up on your next flight? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. We’d love to hear about your experiences and what features you’re most looking forward to exploring!
