FlytEDGE utilises cloud computing technologies and an open software platform to enable passengers to access streaming platforms, live personalisation, and gaming.

Qatar Airways and Thales Avionics have signed an agreement to equip Qatar Airways’ new A321 NX fleet with FlytEDGE, Thales’ Crystal Cabin® award-winning Inflight Entertainment (IFE) system. FlytEDGE is the world’s first cloud-native IFEC platform that offers advanced levels of personalisation and passenger entertainment. Qatar Airways is the first airline to announce their selection of FlytEDGE.

Over the years, Qatar Airways has partnered with Thales as its IFE provider to equip their Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, A350 and A380 aircraft. This new agreement expands the collaboration to the A321 NX fleet. FlytEDGE utilises cloud computing technologies and an open software platform to enable passengers to access streaming platforms, live personalisation, and gaming. The system enables the rapid integration of Qatar Airways’ vast portfolio of group brands, products, and other web-based applications. Thales’ FlytEDGE is powered by the award-winning Onboard Data Centre (ODC) with the industry’s first blade architecture and 96TB of storage to enable onboard edge caching and much more.

Thales’ FlytEDGE solution features some of the best consumer technologies on the market. The system boasts cinematic 4K QLED HDR seatback displays to immerse passengers with over 1 billion vibrant colors and two Bluetooth® connections so passengers can pair their personal wireless devices. The system broadcasts the same user interface onboard for all devices- phones, tablets and seatback screens. Further, the Thales’ Crystal Cabin® award-winning Pulse power management solution delivers high-speed charging at each seat to any passenger device.

Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Product Development, Xia Cai said: “At Qatar Airways, we continue to enhance our world-leading passenger experience, and providing passengers with top-quality inflight entertainment forms a key part of this approach. As our digital transformation journey evolves, we are thrilled to partner with Thales to introduce FlytEDGE onto our entertainment platform. We are confident passengers on our A321 NX fleet will have access to the most innovative consumer technology in the skies.”

Thales Avionics, Executive Vice-President, Yannick Assouad said: “At Thales, we believe that the future of inflight entertainment is limitless. We are harnessing the power of technology to create personalised, interactive, and unforgettable experiences that redefine what it means to travel. Our partnership with Qatar Airways is growing stronger. Together, we’re bringing FlytEDGE’s advanced capabilities to their A321 NX fleet, ensuring passengers have unforgettable journeys.”