Thales Group is a multinational firm that designs and builds electrical systems and offers services for the aerospace, transportation and security markets.

AVANT features a customized passenger experience with a wide range of applications. With its lightweight design, Thales’ high-performing IFE solution allows VNA’s passengers to experience a wide choice of entertainment activities during their flight. The onboard entertainment services comprise numerous television series, the most recent feature films, music and games.

The agreement reportedly helps expand the existing partnership between the Vietnamese carrier and Thales. Earlier, the airline had chosen Thales’ AVANT IFE system for its A350-900 XWB and B787-9 aircraft.

Thales also provides turnkey maintenance services on these aircraft in collaboration with Vietnam Airlines Engineering Company, which is a subsidiary of VNA. Thales’ turnkey maintenance program ensures the provision of outstanding services across the airline’s fleet, enabling VNA to focus on its core business activities.

Nicolas Bernardin, country director at Thales Vietnam, stated that Thales had entered the country nearly 30 years ago, providing advanced technology for multiple sectors. The agreement will strengthen the partnership between the two parties, he said, adding that the French firm has contributed to supporting VNA in providing a remarkable onboard experience to its global passengers with AVANT IFE and aircraft maintenance services.

The national carrier currently operates air routes connecting 50 destinations across 17 countries and regions. It was recognized as a four-star airline for three consecutive years by the UK-based international air transport rating organization, SKYTRAX.

As for Thales, its manpower includes 65,000 employees in 56 countries, providing advanced technology solutions to a large number of customers around the world and reporting sales of EUR15.8 billion, equivalent to some US$18.2 billion, last year.