Air India’s new 787-9 aircraft that enter into service on 1 February 2026 are equipped with Thales’ AVANT Up in-flight entertainment (IFE) platform, Thales has announced.
Niels Steenstrup, Chief Executive Officer, Thales InFlyt Experience, said: “We are proud to support Air India’s customer-centric modernisation journey and bring extraordinary in-flight experiences on board, showcasing the best of India to the world. AVANT Up flying on the airline’s new 787-9 marks a new chapter in our long-standing collaboration. Together, we are elevating the standards for entertainment in the sky, by combining world-class technology with the warmth of Indian hospitality.”
The AVANT Up IFE powers the airline’s Vista IFE and combines state-of-the art hardware and software technologies such as ultra-responsive Optiq 4K QLED HDR displays designed to provide the most cinematic viewing experience in the air; Thales’ award-winning Pulse dynamic power supply enabling up to 60W of in-screen USB-A and USB-C high-speed charging; Bluetooth connection to pair wireless headphones or other devices to the display; interactive 3D map and immersive route-based programming; and intuitive user interface (UI) and Kids UI.
Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Air India, said: “As we embark on this exciting new chapter with our state-of-the-art 787-9, we’re thrilled to offer our passengers an unparalleled in-flight experience. By integrating Thales’ cutting-edge AVANT Up system, we are enhancing the comfort and entertainment on board but also showcasing the warmth and hospitality that Air India is known for.
“This milestone is a significant step forward in our commitment to leading the future of Indian aviation, offering our customers the best of technology and Indian culture in the sky.”
