Thales has secured a contract to provide its in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems for a fleet of 59 aircraft operated by various subsidiary airlines of China’s HNA Group.

As part of the arrangement, Thales will equip 42 wide-body A330 and 17 A350 XWB aircraft with its AVANT Android-based IFE solution.

AVANT will feature new full high-definition monitors that include the Avii Touch Passenger Media Unit.

Avii is designed to offer intuitive navigation and can function as a second entertainment screen.

“The selection of Thales AVANT IFE and connectivity solutions is a testimony to our continued investment in the region.”

The AVANT IFE system and Ka-band connectivity will be integrated on the A330 and A350 to provide a fully connected premium passenger experience.

Thales will also provide its FlytCARE in-flight technology maintenance solution to the HNA Group aircraft under the contract.

The company’s dedicated aircraft technical services team will support reliability for the systems to be installed on the HNA Group aircraft.

The first A350 aircraft equipped with AVANT is expected to enter service by the third quarter of this year.

Thales InFlyt Experience CEO Dominique Giannoni said: “The selection of Thales AVANT IFE and connectivity solutions is a testimony to our continued investment in the region.”

Under the latest deal, Thales is also planning to make an investment in resources in China to further improve the integration of software and media capabilities to boost passenger experience and satisfy local market demands.

HNA Group currently manages various subsidiary airlines, including Hainan Airlines, Capital Airlines, Tianjin Airlines, Lucky Air and West Air.