Don't look for Thomson-CSF or Sextant Avionique at Heli-Expo 2001. Thomson-CSF has been renamed for the sixth-century Greek mathematician and philosopher Thales, as shown by the signs at Booth 1051. Along with the name change comes a new logo, new corporate colors, and new international marketing thrust. Two-syllable Thales is thought to be easier to pronounce than Thomson-CSF, already a short version of Thomson Companie de Télégraphie Sans Fil.

Thomson-CSF, as a corporate entity, was not well known outside of France. A new name is appropriate as the firm's operations have expanded to 200 business units in 30 countries. Half of all Thales employees are located outside of France. The firm now has subsidiaries or joint-ventures in Britain, Korea, Australia, South Africa, Singapore and the U.S. Thales hopes the new identity will become a talisman for its success in the avionics industry.