Recently appointed Thales InFlyt chief executive Philippe Carette has confirmed completion of the company's acquisition of Gemalto, part of a "digital transformation" involving investment of €7 million ($7.8 billion) since 2014.
Developments to look out for on the passenger experience side this year include the entry-into-service of Thales' InFlyt360-powered Select passenger interface with a targeted advertising service, a new IPTV live television solution and a voice-over-wi-fi telephone service.
The Select interface is part of Thales' Core in-flight entertainment system. In addition to providing passengers with content which Thales InFlyt Experience vice-president of marketing Richard Perrot describes as a "Netflix-like experience", it integrates a targeted advertising service that he claims can "multiply revenue generation by a factor of six for airlines".
IPTV is a "functionality Thales is developing" that will offer "eight, 10 or 12 channels of live TV on aircraft" through the Inmarsat GX Aviation connectivity pipe. The wi-fi calling service will enable passengers to use their phones to make in-flight calls and be "billed by their usual [phone] carrier", says Perrot.
Carette, who is six months in to his job as chief executive of Thales InFlyt, told journalists at a media briefing during AIX 2019 that 2 April was "a special day for Thales" because its €4.8 billion acquisition of digital security software provider Gemalto has finally closed.
In a statement announcing the finalisation of the acquisition, Thales chairman and chief executive Patrice Caine states: "Thales has acquired a set of highly complementary technologies and competencies with applications in all of our five vertical markets, which are now redefined as aerospace; space; ground transportation; digital identity and security; and defence and security.
"These are the smart technologies that help people make the best choices at every decisive moment. The acquisition is a turning point for the group's 80,000 employees. Together, we are creating a giant in digital identity and security with the capabilities to compete in the big leagues worldwide."
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Source: Flight Daily News
