It is a Different Thales Than We Saw in 2000

A lot has changed at Thales since last NBAA, when the avionics company exhibited as Thomson-CSF Sextant. Changes and acquisitions in its commercial business since then include:

• Acquisition of the inflight entertainment business of B/E Aerospace;
• Formation of a joint venture in North America with L-3 Communications to focus on traffic collision avoidance systems and to develop new products for the commercial market;
• A joint venture with Diehl Group that will be the largest avionics company in Germany. It will focus on secondary control systems, engine controls, cabin systems, and becoming a center of excellence for display generation;
• Consolidation of its North American support operations in Edison, NJ, which is now Thales worldwide headquarters for avionics support.

Latest news is the certification of Thales Avionics' head-up flight display system (HFDS) on the Bombardier Global Express.

The HFDS is featured here at NBAA (Booth 5532), as well as Thales' Satcom products including Aero I and Aero H antennae. The company is also focusing on provision of airborne email and data services.