March 13, 2008 - NEW York State-based Astronics Corporation has been selected to develop and supply the in-seat power system (ISPS) for Thales’ TopSeries IFE system in the Boeing 787. Astronics is currently the sole supplier of ISPS for TopSeries.

TopSeries is designed to support AVOD entertainment, broadband communications including Internet access, and in-seat power for personal electronic devices such as laptop computers.

At the last count, in September last year, Thales was the leading supplier of IFE for the 787. Its tally of announced customers stood at ten airlines – including four Chinese operators – while rival Panasonic trailed on three. Thales says that TopSeries is currently scheduled for installation in more than 130 787s.

The two manufacturers are also aboard the Airbus A380. Among the early operators, Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Lufthansa have opted for Panasonic’s eX2, while Etihad is acquiring the Thales system for its quartet of A380s.