Thales In-Flight Entertainment (IFE):

Thales IFE forecasts healthy growth over the next 5 years

Challenge: To help airlines provide a compelling flying experience that builds passenger loyalty and a competitive market position.

Background: Since 2005, Thales has become the fastest growing supplier of in-flight entertainment. Its advanced product, TopSeries, is now a popular IFE choice which is recognized for its advanced architecture and system capability. The business has grown ten-fold over a three year period requiring Thales to significantly invest in manpower and business operations in Irvine, California and Seattle, Washington. The company exports to all regions of the world with emphasis on China, India and Europe. In a short amount of time, Thales has moved from being a small operation to the number #2 supplier of IFE systems to world airlines.

Solution: Thales’ ramp-up into the IFE market captured the attention of both internal and external audiences. What the company had going for it was its local experienced management team, commitment from its corporate office and winning strategies that directly impacted the organization’s ability to deliver on its’ promise to customers. The operation now follows the practices of a LEAN enterprise focused on continuous improvement for the benefit of it customers.

Going forward, Thales is committed to continue R&D investments equal to 18% of revenues and will further mature its domestic supplier base made up of 150 organizations. In California the IFE operation increased headcount from 240 to 801 people over the past 5 years and will hire more people as the business requires. Further business expansion is expected on the west coast.