by Elsie Clark | Feb 4, 2026 | Avionics, Innovation
The Cathay Group has selected Thales to provide advanced avionics for its latest fleet expansion. The agreement covers 30 Airbus A330neo aircraft for Cathay Pacific and 18 A321neo/A320neo jets for its budget carrier, HK Express.
A central feature of the deal is the PureFlyt Flight Management System (FMS). Renowned for its trajectory precision, this FMS uses an intuitive interface to streamline pilot tasks. By optimising flight paths, the system significantly reduces fuel consumption and eases airspace congestion.
Safety is further bolstered by the inclusion of 5G-immune Radio Altimeters, which prevent interference from mobile networks. The aircraft will also be fitted with the T3CAS collision avoidance system and Head-Up Displays (HUD), allowing pilots to monitor critical data while keeping their eyes on the horizon.
Thomas Mouveaux, General Manager APAC for Aviation Global Services, Thales, said:
Thales is committed to providing airlines around the world with innovative products and services and a premium customer experience. We look forward to supporting Cathay Pacific and HK Express with our integrated, next-generation technologies that enhance flight safety, operational efficiency, and cockpit connectivity.
Cathay Pacific’s A330neo fleet will receive an additional boost with the AVIATOR S satellite communications system, providing high-speed, secure data links for improved operational flexibility. These technologies combine to deliver superior fuel efficiency and lower emissions through more accurate flight pathing. Furthermore, the integration of advanced collision technology and HUDs provides flight crews with much higher levels of situational awareness. By adopting 5G-resilient hardware and reliable connectivity, the group ensures its fleet is fully prepared for the complexities of modern airspace..
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by Elsie Clark | Oct 23, 2025 | Connectivity, Innovation
Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales have agreed to a much-anticipated business deal that will see them pool their space businesses together.
Such a project has been under discussion for months now, as the European defence giants seek to establish a rival to SpaceX, Elon Musk’s US-based satellite and space exploration businesses.
Now, the three companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to build a new entity that combines their space businesses. It is hoped that the deal will improve operational agility and consolidate Europe’s position in the aerospace industry by establishing an autonomous alternative to SpaceX’s Starlink, the low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity project.
In a joint statement, Guillaume Faury, CEO Airbus, Roberto Cingolani, CEO Leonardo, and Patrice Caine, CEO Thales, said:
This proposed new company marks a pivotal milestone for Europe’s space industry. It embodies our shared vision to build a stronger and more competitive European presence in an increasingly dynamic global space market.
By pooling our talent, resources, expertise and R&D capabilities, we aim to generate growth, accelerate innovation and deliver greater value to our customers and stakeholders. This partnership aligns with the ambitions of European governments to strengthen their industrial and technological assets, ensuring Europe’s autonomy across the strategic space domain and its many applications
The new entity will have an annual turnover of €6.5 billion and employ 25,000 people. Regulators are expected to approve the deal, meaning the new business could be operational by 2027. Ownership will be shared between the three companies, with Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales holding 35%, 32.5%, and 32.5% respectively
Each company will contribute to the new entity as follows:
- Airbus: Space Systems and Space Digital businesses
- Leonardo: Space Division, including shares in Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space.
- Thales: Shares in Thales Alenia Space, Telespazio, and Thales SESO.
Full governance structures will be established in due course. The announcement will strengthen and centralise the European aerospace industry, while also offering new opportunities for innovation.
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by Elsie Clark | Sep 19, 2025 | Avionics, MRO IT
Avionics on IndiGo’s fleet of 430 A320 Airbus aircraft will now be maintained by Thales.
The new agreement lasts for 11 years, and includes IndiGo’s growth plans to increase its fleet to 800 craft. Thales’s Repair By The Hour (RBTH) and Avionics By The Hour (ABTH) solutions will be deployed to reduce downtime and ensure critical components are available.
The repairs will take place at IndiGo’s new avionics MRO facility near Delhi Airport in India. An additional 5-year contract has been signed with AvioBook Flight, a Thales company. AvioBook is the only Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) solution authorised by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for paperless EFB, and provides pilots with essential digital tools to manage their crews.
Parichay Datta, Senior Vice-president, Engineering, IndiGo, said:
We are pleased to partner with Thales, a leading aerospace company trusted worldwide for its expertise in avionics support, to augment IndiGo’s maintenance and repairs capabilities.
With IndiGo’s growing scale and fleet, this association aligns with our commitment to offer a hassle-free and safe flying experience to our customers, while ensuring operational excellence and reliability
India has surpassed Brazil and Indonesia to become the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market. Earlier this week, IndiGo announced plans for a route to Athens from January 2026, as it expands its European strategy.
Since its founding in 2005, the airline has become the largest airline in India by passengers carried and fleet size. The partnership with Thales represents a significant step forward in the company’s efforts to guarantee its growing number of pilots and passengers with safety and efficiency.
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