Qatar Airways opens centre for in-flight solutions

By Chika Goodluck-Ogazi ngrguardiannews.com

QATAR Airways has opened a new technology research, development and training centre at the Qatar Science and Technology Park dedicated to the development of inflight entertainment solutions.

Thales QSTP-LLC, established by Qatar Airways and Thales, will seek to develop inflight entertainment solutions for the airline in its hub.

Thales, which has an office in Qatar, has created new generation IFE solutions since 2009 for Qatar Airways’ narrow body fleet of Airbus A320s. The systems includes touch-screen technology, with seat-back screens in Economy and arm rest screens in Business Class.

The French company will also provide revolutionary new in-flight entertainment for the airline’s Boeing 787 aircraft, of which the first 60 on order is scheduled for delivery this summer. Qatar Airways is the Middle East launch customer of the Boeing 787.

Speaking at the launch of the new Thales Centre recently, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the airline was at the forefront of developing pioneering products for passengers and in-flight entertainment was no exception.

According to him, “The new centre will ensure that the development and implementation needs of Qatar Airways are   met with improved timelines for content updates on aircraft.”

He added, “IFE today plays a crucial role in passenger’s decision making process when choosing which airline to fly with. 15 years ago IFE played a very small part of an airline’s product offering.

“Qatar Airways understands the need for entertainment, hence inflight offerings have tripled from over 300 interactive audio and video options seven years ago to more than 1,000 today’, said Al Baker.

Thales In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity Systems Chief Executive Officer, Alan Pellegrini said: “This grand opening in Doha symbolises our deep commitment to Qatar Airways and I am confident that the collective experience and talent of our organisations will play a significant part in the future of onboard systems and services.”