JetBlue has selected Thales’ Avant IFE system for its fleet of 70 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, deliveries of which are due to begin in 2020. AVANT is an Android-based system equipped with high-capacity servers, locally stored content, and integration with the onboard connectivity system.
The A220s will feature 10in high definition (HD) seatback displays with picture-in-picture functionality, custom connected applications, and audio-and-video-on-demand. Personal device pairing will also be available, complemented with USB and AC power to keep devices charged.
Thales is not a new supplier for JetBlue, as they began their partnership in 2000 when Thales was selected to launch live television to every seat on the airline’s A320 fleet. Since then the airline has supported the delivery of 253 single-aisle aircraft with Thales IFEC systems.
“In 2000, JetBlue set out to disrupt the industry as the first airline to offer live TV on every seatback, on every plane. We’re extremely proud to continue this long-standing relationship with our partners at Thales, and look forward to introducing a brand-new, custom-for-JetBlue generation of in-flight entertainment on our A220 aircraft,” stated Mariya Stoyanova, JetBlue’s director of product development.