Air China introduced into revenue service the first of its 15 Boeing 777s equipped with the Thales TopSeries in-flight entertainment systems onboard, Thales announced Friday.
The aircraft has a total of 311 seats in an 8 First, 42 Business and 261 Economy configuration. The Thales TopSeries system includes a range of audio and video on-demand entertainment and information using 23-inch, 15.4-inch and 8.9-inch touch screen displays and tethered passenger control units in First and Business.
Thales said Air China is the first to fly with its 3-D moving map powered by Geofusion, which allows passengers to track the aircraft in motion as it flies over a high resolution 3-D globe represented by satellite imagery.
“There is no comparison between the other versions of IFE with this TopSeries system. This one feels almost the same as if we are playing on an iPad. We made a good choice of IFE system,” said Quan Hong Bing, DGM of Air China Technic. Other new applications on this new aircraft include Connecting Gate and 3D audio capabilities.
“Thales is very proud to be part of this important B777-300ER program of Air China and to provide the best IFE system to help serve the flying public with much improved entertainment experience together with Air China,” says XIA Jinsong Deputy CEO, Thales China. Air China flies with the Thales system on its 20 A330s and future B787 aircraft.