Bengaluru: In a major step towards advancing India’s aerospace technology landscape, global technology leader Thales has inaugurated an advanced Inflight Entertainment (IFE) and Services Lab at its Engineering Competence Centre (ECC) in Bengaluru. This new facility is aligned with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and is set to become a hub for the design, development, and testing of next-generation IFE systems for both Indian and global airlines.
The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of key dignitaries, including MB Patil, Minister of Industries, Government of Karnataka; Consul General of France in Bengaluru, Marc Lamy; senior executives from Air India, and representatives from the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Thales was represented by Olivier Flous, Senior Vice President, Engineering and Digital Transformation, and Francois Colonna, Director of the ECC, among others.
A Milestone for Aerospace R&D in India
The new IFE lab, equipped with advanced tools and systems, is designed to replicate a real aircraft environment, enabling comprehensive testing, immersive customer experience reviews, and robust software and hardware evaluations. The facility will support the development of future-ready inflight entertainment technologies while enhancing operational efficiencies and enriching passenger experiences.
Commenting on the lab’s significance, MB Patil stated, “Today’s inauguration of Thales’s Inflight Entertainment and Services Lab at its Engineering Competence Centre reinforces Bengaluru’s position as a global innovation hub. It’s a testament to Karnataka’s robust aerospace and defence ecosystem.”
Strengthening India’s Position as a Global Innovation Hub
Highlighting Thales’s continued commitment to India’s innovation ecosystem, Olivier Flous said, “The inauguration of our new lab dedicated to Inflight Entertainment solutions and support and services for airlines marks a significant step towards enhancing both the passenger experience and operational efficiency of carriers. This new facility at our Engineering Competence Centre in Bengaluru underscores our commitment to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, developing future-ready aviation technologies in India, for India, and for the world.”
Thales’s Expanding Presence in India
The ECC in Bengaluru serves as a vital hub for Thales’s aerospace, defence, and cybersecurity innovation. The addition of the IFE and Services lab enhances its R&D capabilities and underscores the company’s long-term investment in India’s growing aviation and defence sectors.
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