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Thales' idea to install IFE systems on regional aircraft started several years ago when one of Thales' largest customers required that all of its passengers had a common flying experience regardless of what aircraft type they were on. This customer need uncovered a new TopSeries configuration that eliminated the seatbox so that it fit on regional jets without the sacrifice of leg room. Today, the system flies on close to 100 aircraft at high performance levels. The TopSeries system is a lightweight system compared to earlier generation systems. The design goal of the product is to continually realize new operating efficiencies and revenue generation opportunities for the airline.

"We are very pleased to have a growing relationship with Star Aviation and Embraer. The regional jet market, in support of commercial airlines, is a new opportunity for Thales to provide a consistent passenger experience. We see a solid upward trend in the years ahead, said Alan Pellegrini, Vice President and General Manager for Thales' In-flight Entertainment business. Star Aviation will start to take delivery of their aircraft in March 2009 with the program completing in February 2010.

About Thales
Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group, addressing defence, aerospace and security markets worldwide. Thales's leading-edge technology is supported by 22,000 R&D engineers who offer a capability unmatched in Europe to develop and deploy field-proven mission-critical information systems. To this end, the group's civil and military businesses develop in parallel and share a common base of technologies to serve a single objective: the security of people, property and nations. The group builds its growth on its unique multi-domestic strategy based on trusted partnerships with national customers and market players, while leveraging its global expertise to support local technology and industrial development. Thales employs 68,000 people in 50 countries with 2007 revenues of €12.3 billion.