April 14, 2005 – FINALLY revealing the worst kept secret of recent times, Thales Avionics has announced that Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is to install TopSeries IFE hardware throughout a fleet scheduled to comprise 14 Airbus A330s, eight A340s and four A380s plus five Boeing 777s by 2008.

The Etihad order was first reported last autumn but only now are details of the deal being made available.

TopSeries will provide audio/video-on-demand in every seat, starting with the A330s from next month. The 777s will follow in October, the A340s a year from now and the A380s from May 2007.

In addition to the system itself, Thales is supplying digital media services and a maintenance programme.