Qatar Airways is upgrading its current fleet of Boeing B787-8 Dreamliners with Thales AVANT inflight entertainment (IFE) system.

Thales has developed the upgrade programme for the carrier, adapting the existing legacy system to incorporate new AVANT screens and servers into the existing seats and aircraft infrastructure. The work includes the delivery of full seat modification, hardware and all required certifications, as well as the ability to leverage media integration commonality across the Qatar Airways’ fleet equipped with AVANT.

Qatar Airways senior vice president, marketing & corporate communications, Salam Al Shawa said: “As a leader of innovation within the global aviation industry, we are always looking for ways to further enrich our already exceptional 5-Star on board experience for passengers. With the latest in-flight technology, including lightweight screens, greater content storage and full HD touch screens, we are delighted to work with Thales in bringing the most advanced AVANT IFE system on board our Boeing 787-8 fleet.”

Upgrading to AVANT IFE on the Boeing B787-8 fleet introduces the latest HD capacitive touch screen technology and lightweight screens that are two to three times brighter than the former technology, featuring more than 16 million colours.

“Qatar Airways continues to be a leader in the recovery of the aviation industry, maintaining a paramount commitment to service and to the enrichment of the passenger journey. Together we have developed a turnkey upgrade programme with a seamless customer experience and continued installation despite the crisis. With the AVANT IFE system, passengers on Qatar Airways Boeing B787-8 aircraft will enjoy a 5-star experience,” commented Philippe Carette, chief executive officer of Thales InFlyt Experience.