Ethiopian Airlines has just taken flying to a whole new level. Ethiopian Airlines has officially launched its first-ever A350-1000, equipped with Thales’s state-of-the-art AVANT Up inflight entertainment (IFE) system. Ethiopian Airlines has made history as the first airline on the continent to roll out such a high-tech experience. This is the kind of partnership that changes how we fly, with over a decade of innovation backing up this major leap forward.
The collaboration between Ethiopian Airlines and Thales, a global leader in aerospace technologies, is a testament to the airline’s commitment to delivering top-tier services to its passengers. For over a decade, the two companies have worked together to push the boundaries of what passengers can expect while flying with Ethiopians. With the launch of the A350-1000, the partnership has entered an exciting new chapter, bringing the very latest in digital entertainment and connectivity onboard.
The A350-1000, known for its fuel efficiency and ultra-smooth ride, is now packing Thales’s next-gen IFE system, AVANT Up, making every flight feel like a VIP experience. Forget everything you thought you knew about in-flight entertainment—this is next-level stuff.
The Tech in the Aircraft
Let’s talk about the star of the show: AVANT Up. If you’ve ever sat on a flight staring at a grainy, flickering screen while trying to watch a movie, this system will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a future that’s already here.
Here’s what Ethiopian Airlines’ AVANT Up provides:
Optiq 4K QLED HDR displays: These screens are insane. With more than 1 billion vibrant colors, they deliver a cinematic experience that’s as sharp as it gets. Whether you’re watching the latest blockbuster or vibing to your favorite tunes, the visuals are going to blow you away.
Seamless user interface: Navigating the system is super intuitive. Streaming movies, music, and games while cruising through the sky is smooth as butter. No more fumbling with a clunky remote or touchscreen—just pure, effortless entertainment.
Dual Bluetooth: Yup, you read that right. You can now pair your personal headphones or smartphone directly to the seatback screen. This means no more tangled wires or dealing with crappy airline headphones. Your in-flight soundtrack is all yours, in perfect clarity.
Built-in Wi-Fi: Need to stay connected while you’re soaring? passengers can stream, surf, and stay in touch with the world below thanks to the onboard Wi-Fi.
Pulse power management. And for all the techies and digital nomads out there, there is this feature, where You can charge your phone, tablet, or laptop during the flight, ensuring you land with a fully juiced-up device. No more anxiety over low battery during that long layover, or worse, mid-flight when you need it most.
“Pioneering innovation has always been part of our DNA,” says Mesfin Tasew, chief executive of Ethiopian Airlines Group. “With the launch of the A350-1000, we’re not just delivering passengers to their destinations; we’re offering them a whole new level of experience—one that brings together technology, comfort, and entertainment.”
