[Avionics Today June 10, 2014] Thales has completed its acquisition of In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) provider LiveTV from JetBlue Airways for $399 million in cash, the New York-based airline said.
JetBlue first began offering LiveTV with DirecTV programming in 2000, and then acquired 100 percent ownership of the company in 2002. In 2013, Aviation Technical Services (ATS) signed a contract with JetBlue to begin installing LiveTV’s Ka-band satellite Wi-Fi technology, Fly-Fi, across its fleet of Airbus A320s.
Thales CEO Alan Pellegrini is looking to use LiveTV’s IFE and connectivity solutions to strengthen its own line of product offerings for the growing connected aircraft market.
"Our evolving product and service portfolio will enable airlines, on any fleet-size, aircraft type or route structure, to offer their passengers a highly robust connected experience before, during and after flight," said Thales USA CEO Alan Pellegrini. "The capabilities we now have strengthen our foundation as both a leading In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity systems manufacturer and connectivity service provider."