Press Release: Gulf Air picks Thales’ GX IFC for 787-9, A321neo-E (LR)

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Thales announces that Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, chose Thales’ Ka-band connectivity solution for its B787-9 and A321neo-E (LR) aircraft.

The airline is renowned for its traditional hospitality and its commitment to being an industry leader by developing products and services that reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of their passengers for a modern travel experience.

Over the years Gulf Air has worked closely with Thales to support their strategic growth plans to elevate customer experience. In 2016 the airline selected the AVANT inflight entertainment system for their complete fleet renewal program. With the pairing of Thales’ IFE and global connectivity solutions, Gulf Air’s passengers will enjoy a unique and engaging experience.

Thales will deliver the highest performing connectivity service on the market, providing a complete end-to-end connectivity solution. Through the connectivity portal and onboard Wi-Fi network, passengers can browse the internet, check social media, shop onboard and much more during their flights.

Thales’ Ka-band connectivity solution leverages the Inmarsat Global Xpress satellite network. It is designed as a robust, modular and full-featured platform for a best-in-class onboard experience with reliable, seamless high-speed global coverage.

In 2016, Gulf Air selected Thales’s state-of-the-art AVANT inflight entertainment system for their fleet renewal program. AVANT offers a highly customizable passenger experience with Full High Definition displays and a wide selection of features and applications. Thales’s latest IFE innovations combined with global Ka-band connectivity provide unique services that transform passenger experiences wherever they fly.

“Thales is proud to be a long-term partner with Gulf Air in their goal of excellence in passenger experience. It is an honor to equip Bahrain’s national carrier with our connectivity solution and the AVANT high-performing IFE system onboard their newest aircraft. Thales is committed to support Gulf Air in driving innovations and the highest standards in passenger engagement.”  Philippe Carette, Chief Executive Officer, Thales InFlyt Experience

“We are proud to announce our partnership with Thales once again for the onboard connectivity project. Back in 2016 we selected AVANT IFE system for our yet-to-receive orders of new aircraft and today we complement this partnership with Thales for another product – all to elevate the customer experience during the flight”. Krešimir Kučko, Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Air

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About Thales  

The people we all rely on to make the world go round – they rely on Thales. Our customers come to us with big ambitions: to make life better, to keep us safer. Combining a unique diversity of expertise, talents and cultures, our architects design and deliver extraordinary high technology solutions. Solutions that make tomorrow possible, today.  From the bottom of the oceans to the depth of space and cyberspace, we help our customers think smarter and act faster – mastering ever greater complexity and every decisive moment along the way.

Thales generated revenues of €19 billion in 2018 with 80,000 employees in 68 countries.

About Gulf Air

Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, commenced operations in 1950, becoming one of the first commercial airlines established in the Middle East. Today, Gulf Air is a major international carrier serving 47 cities in 26 countries.  The airline operates double daily flights or more to 10 regional cities, in addition to select destinations in the Indian Subcontinent and Europe, from its hub at Bahrain International Airport. Gulf Air currently serves all its destinations with a combination of wide and narrow body fleet of 34 aircraft. The airline received 5 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner’s and 1 Airbus A320neo aircraft in 2018. In 2019 the airline will further receive 2 Dreamliner’s and 4 A320neos in 2019. The modern fleet will herald a new era for Gulf Air as it continues to enhance its product and service offering. Renowned for its traditional Arabian hospitality, evidenced by the airline’s signature family and business friendly products, Gulf Air is committed to being an industry leader and developing products and services that reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of its passengers.  Gulf Air connects Bahrain to the world and, as such, is a key national infrastructure asset, serving as a powerful driver for the economy and supporting the Kingdom’s on-going economic growth. With its mobile app and Bahrain stopover programme, the airline promotes Bahrain as a tourist destination to the world. Gulf Air has been the Title Sponsor of the FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX ever since it made history as the first Formula 1 Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East in 2004. In addition, the airline has been Official Carrier of the biennial Bahrain International Airshow since it was first held in 2010