Air India has launched its latest 787-9 aircraft equipped with Thales' AVANT Up inflight entertainment (IFE) system, marking a significant milestone in Indian aviation. The aircraft, part of an order for six new 787-9s, was unveiled at Wings India 2026 and will enter service on 1 February 2026. This development positions Air India as the first airline in the Asia Pacific region to offer the advanced AVANT Up solution.
The new IFE system, branded as Vista, offers passengers over 3,000 hours of content, including the largest library of Indian entertainment in multiple languages. The system features ultra-responsive Optiq 4K QLED HDR displays, providing a cinematic viewing experience. Additionally, passengers can enjoy high-speed charging with 60W USB-C and USB-A ports, and connect their Bluetooth devices to the display.
Rajesh Dogra, Air India's Chief Customer Experience Officer, expressed excitement about the new offering, stating, “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 inflight 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.”
Niels Steenstrup, CEO of Thales InFlyt Experience, highlighted the collaboration's impact, saying, “We are proud to support Air India’s customer-centric modernisation journey and bring extraordinary inflight experiences onboard, showcasing the best of India to the world.”
This initiative underscores Air India's commitment to enhancing passenger experience and setting new standards in inflight entertainment, aligning with its vision to lead the future of Indian aviation.
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