Surfing at 30,000 feet: The Opera browser now available

[Allen]

Surfing at 30,000 feet: The Opera browser now available in Thales in-flight entertainment systems

Opera Software today announced its cooperation with Thales to deliver the Opera Web browser in TopSeries, the Thales in-flight entertainment system. Airline passengers will now enjoy the added benefit of a full and fast Internet experience from Opera, in addition to the entertainment offerings also available using the Thales TopSeries System. The TopSeries system is offerable on nearly all Boeing and Airbus single and twin aisle aircrafts.

The Opera browser offers flexibility for in-flight entertainment systems due to its internationalization features, which includes support for Bi-Directional scripts. This makes global deployments in multiple languages, including Arabic, possible with the Opera browser.

"Opera's integration with Thales in-flight entertainment systems shows how we are making headway in vertical markets," says Christen Krogh, Vice President of Engineering, Opera Software. "We predicted growth in this market and have made our browser with the future in mind. Opera's speed, small-size and Extensible Rendering Architecture (ERA), coupled with its headache-free portability to Linux devices, make it the natural choice for new Internet devices and use cases."

The TopSeries system started to fly in revenue service in 2003 and continues to be selected by a growing number of world airlines. The TopSeries efficient design integrates broadband communications, in-seat power and entertainment into one platform. In 2005, Thales was recognized by Frost and Sullivan for IFE system product innovation and connectivity solutions.

"The Opera product is an excellent fit to our system architecture. If provides the flexibility and utility that our customers are asking for," says Brad Foreman, Vice President and General Manager for Thales' in-flight entertainment business.