JOSEPH VARGHESE

DOHA QATAR Airways and Thales, a leader in in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems jointly announced the opening of a new technology research, development and training centre named Thales QSTP LLC at the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) on Tuesday.

The centre, the first of such facility in the Middle East will conduct research related to inflight entertainment and technology.

Qatar Foundation Research Advisor Dr Amir H al Saadi, French Ambassador to Qatar HE Jean Christophe Peaucelle, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al Baker, Thales Area B Senior Vice- President Blasie Jaeger and Thales In-Flight Entertainment & Connectivity CEO Alan Pellegrini were present on the occasion.

Thales QSTP-LLC, a technical laboratory, will host state-of-theart IFEC equipment that support software and application prototyping, content integration, system level testing and training.

Speaking on the occasion, Saadi said, “Qatar Science & Technology Park and its tenants have together committed to funding new ventures, creating intellectual property, enhancing technology management skills and developing innovative new products in line with the national vision. Thales will surely be able to develop and deliver technology developments that will serve not only the community but the wider region as well.” He added that Thales with 25,000 engineers and researchers invests 20 percent of its revenue in research.

Ambassador Peaucelle said that Thales is one of the architects of the Qatar-French relationship.

He said “Now that we are in a partnership in research, this will be of great benefit for both the countries. It will be useful, constructive and productive for Qatar and the region.” Speaking on the occasion, Qatar Airways CEO al Baker said that it was the beginning of a new partnership with an old partner and that the airline was at the forefront of developing pioneering products for its passengers and in-flight entertainment was no exception.

“The new centre will ensure that development and implementation needs of Qatar Airways will be met quicker with improved timelines for content updates on our aircraft. We are delighted to see Thales choose to open this new training centre in Qatar helping to further strengthen the already strong partnership that exists between the two companies.” Al Baker added that in-flight entertainment and connectivity played a crucial role in a passenger’s decision-making process when choosing which airline to fly with.

Jaeger said that Thales earned $13.1 billion in annual revenue and that 20 percent of it was invested in research.

On his part, Pellegrini said, “This grand opening in Doha symbolises our deep commitment to Qatar Airways. I am confident that the collective experience and talent of our organisations will play a significant part in the future of onboard systems and services.”