Thales, the Paris aerospace and defence group, uses AI in air traffic management, biometrics, airport operations and security screening. Singapore contracted its next-generation air traffic system in July 2026.
With more than 85,000 staff, its TopSky ATC system includes an AI sequencer for arrivals and departures, and TopSky AstraUTM manages drones; cortAIx is its unit for certifiable AI. It also sells Fly to Gate and FaceBoarding biometrics, airport operations centres and HELIXVIEW CT scanners with automatic threat detection. Its avionics, radars and in-flight entertainment are not counted as AI here.
Singapore's aviation authority ordered the TopSky system with two radars, and Thales separately won Singapore's national UTM platform in May 2026. Its biometrics and operations centre run across seven Adani airports in India, including Ahmedabad (AMD) and Mumbai (BOM), and Catania (CTA) trialled FaceBoarding.
Aviation AI deployments and updates
01 / Reported · unverified
Adani and Thales strategic partnership on airport operations control centres
World's most deployed air traffic control automation system, governing more than 100 Flight Information Regions (FIRs) and 40% of the world's airspace across over 85 countries. Designed for en-route, approach and oceanic traffic control in civil and military environments.
The problem it addresses
Provides safe, high-availability, modular ATC automation to ANSPs managing growing and complex air traffic flows, with built-in cybersecurity, fail-safe architecture and cloud-ready design supporting cross-border interoperability and regulatory compliance.
Key features
AI-powered and cybersecured ATC automation (per Thales SkyBridge Alliance press release, January 2026)
Controls en-route, approach and oceanic traffic in civil and military environments
Ultimate Fall-back System (UFS) with real-time synchronization between active and backup systems, immediate failover with no restart required
Advanced conflict detection, resolution and integrated sequencing tools
8 more features
Hybrid AI system under development for conflict resolution, combines neural network (reinforcement learning) with certified conflict-detection system, expected around 2030 (per Aviation Week)
Modular, cloud-ready architecture (OpenSky Platform available as cloud-native deployment layer)
Supports SESAR Common Project 1 (CP1) regulation compliance
Next-generation connected flight management system (FMS) for commercial aircraft, selected by Airbus to equip A320, A330 and A350 families. Designed to leverage inflight connectivity to access real-time air traffic, weather and operational data, enabling optimized trajectory suggestions and fuel efficiency improvements.
The problem it addresses
Reduces fuel consumption and CO2/NOx emissions compared to prior-generation FMS solutions by continuously computing optimized flight paths using connectivity to off-board data sources, while reducing pilot workload through an intuitive interface and advanced trajectory tools.
Key features
Cloud-connected architecture enabling real-time access to weather, air traffic and operational data
AI-assisted flight path optimization on the non-safety-critical open side of the FMS
Advanced cost index calculator to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize emissions
Fuel consumption and CO2/NOx emissions reduced by 3-4% versus prior-generation Thales FMS
6 more features
Aviobook inflight optimization app integration
Cyber-secured connectivity with embedded real-time cyber defense mechanisms
Intuitive interface with what-if planning, trajectory preview and undo function
Self-correcting logic for resilient error-free navigation
Available linefit and retrofit for Airbus A320, A330 and A350
Fleet interoperability across Airbus aircraft types
Technical specifications (4)
Safety-critical functions certified to highest design assurance level (AI restricted to non-safety-critical open side)
Compatible with Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs)
Based on PureFlyt product architecture, adapted for Airbus requirements
Over 200 million flight hours of Thales FMS legacy experience underlying the design
Thales's AI accelerator, launched in March 2024, bringing together the company's AI capabilities across research, sensors and systems. Designed to equip armed forces, aircraft manufacturers and critical infrastructure operators with secure AI solutions for data analysis and decision support.
The problem it addresses
Provides trusted, explainable, certifiable AI for critical aviation and defense environments subject to stringent cybersecurity, embeddability and frugality constraints, enabling faster decision-making and reduced operator mental workload.
Key features
Three-pillar structure: cortAIx Lab (research, based in Saclay, France), cortAIx Factory (AI technology industrialization), cortAIx Sensors (AI for sensor systems)
Trusted, transparent, explainable and ethical AI designed for certification
Embedded AI for real-time airborne optronics analysis (Thales Neural Processor on Rafale Talios pod, 100x faster than ground analysis)
AI for helicopter mission planning, enables in-flight tactical mission changes while minimizing pilot cognitive workload
6 more features
AI for air traffic control sequencing optimization to reduce carbon footprint on approach paths
AI for multi-drone and multi-robot coordination
Sovereign AI development for defense aeronautics (Dassault Aviation partnership, November 2025), covers observation, situation analysis, decision-making, planning and control
Over 100 Thales products integrating AI
Cybersecure by design with ANSSI-certified assessment methods
Friendly Hacking unit performing AI cyber crash-testing
Technical specifications (3)
Present in France, UK, Canada, Singapore, Germany (as of January 2026)
Over 600 AI experts and approximately 100 doctoral students
Europe's top patent applicant in AI for critical applications
Certifications and approvals
AI solutions developed to be compliant with EASA AI certification roadmap (Level 1 AI certification targeted from 2025)
Thales's unmanned traffic management (UTM) platform, powered by AstraUTM (acquired by Thales). Provides a scalable, automated platform for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) drone operations management, real-time traffic management, compliance monitoring and safe integration of unmanned aircraft with manned aviation.
The problem it addresses
Enables safe, scalable commercial drone operations in non-segregated airspace by providing automated flight authorization, geo-awareness, network identification, traffic information, conflict resolution and real-time decision-making for ANSPs, government agencies and drone operators.
Key features
Scalable automated platform for UTM and future Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
Real-time traffic management and continuous airspace surveillance
Compliance monitoring and authorisation management
Automated conflict resolution and rapid response to dynamic conditions
6 more features
Common Information Service (CIS) and U-space Service Provider (USSP) provisions
Support for BVLOS operations in non-segregated airspaces
Integration with traditional ATM systems via SWIM protocols
Low Level Airspace Information Management, Drone Operations Management, Advanced Air Mobility Management
Cloud-based and open architecture, scalable and interoperable
Weather services for enhanced safety and decision-making
Technical specifications (4)
Over 50,000 flights facilitated worldwide
Deployed across Europe, Asia and North America
Built on AstraUTM full-stack UTM software (Thales acquisition)
Compliant with EU Implementing Regulation 2021/664 (U-space framework)
Certifications and approvals
Compliant with EU Implementing Regulation 2021/664 and associated AMC/GM for U-space management
Cloud-based air traffic flow management (ATFM) platform developed by Thales, integrated with AireonFLOW space-based ADS-B surveillance data. Provides advanced traffic flow management for ANSPs across their airspace and airports, with what-if operational scenario exploration and demand forecasting.
The problem it addresses
Helps ANSPs reduce congestion, enhance predictability and optimize traffic flow across fragmented regional airspace by providing demand forecasting, flight trajectory prediction and collaborative decision-making tools powered by real-time space-based ADS-B data.
Key features
Cloud-based traffic flow management across airspace and airports
Powered by AireonFLOW space-based ADS-B surveillance data
What-if operational scenario exploration for ANSPs
Demand forecasting and flight trajectory prediction
4 more features
Collaborative discussion and coordination tools for ANSPs and airlines
Predicts air traffic flow for proactive management
Supports sustainable flight operations by reducing congestion and emissions
Part of Thales 'Better Skies for Asia' program for APAC ATM modernization
Technical specifications (3)
Cloud-based architecture
Integrated with AireonFLOW space-based ADS-B data stream
Customers report 20% better planning precision using AireonFLOW data integration
Thales's latest-generation inflight entertainment (IFE) platform for commercial aircraft, an evolution of the AVANT IFE system.
The problem it addresses
Provides airlines with a premium, operationally efficient IFE platform that improves passenger engagement and NPS, reduces total cost of ownership (30% weight reduction, 50% reliability increase versus previous generation), and enables ancillary revenue generation through personalization and third-party app ecosystem.
Thales Ka-band High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) in-flight connectivity solution for commercial airlines. Launched 2017, using SES and Hughes satellite network (SES-17 satellite manufactured by Thales Alenia Space).
The problem it addresses
Provides high-speed, reliable in-flight internet connectivity for passengers and aircraft operational connectivity, enabling video streaming, social media and operational efficiency tools at up to 400 Mbps.
Key features
Ka-band High-Throughput Satellite connectivity
Up to 400 Mbps speeds using SES-17 satellite
Coverage across Americas and Atlantic
Full passenger internet access including video streaming
Industry's first cloud-native inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) platform, developed by Thales. Enables airlines to build, test and deploy IFE apps, software and content completely remotely without acceptance tests or Thales intervention.
The problem it addresses
Eliminates traditional IFE update deployment friction by enabling fully remote, airline-controlled software and content deployment without vendor intervention, reducing time-to-market for new features and lowering operational costs.
Key features
Industry's first cloud-native IFEC platform
Fully remote app, software and content deployment (no acceptance tests or Thales intervention required)
Broadest and deepest content portfolio including limitless third-party consumer web apps and streaming services
Passenger engagement and personalization tools
3 more features
Operational excellence through completely remote operations
Ancillary revenue capabilities, direct-to-consumer business models and third-party partnerships
Crystal Cabin Awards: Pulse Power (2022), Onboard Data Center (2023), Accessibility Suite (2024), FlytEDGE Platform (2024)
Technical specifications (2)
Cloud-native architecture
Supports real-time remote deployment of applications and content
Certified flight management system for helicopters, regional aircraft, electric aircraft and fighter jets. First FACE (Future Airborne Capability Environment) conformant FMS from a European company (certified April 2025).
The problem it addresses
Provides certified, lightweight and modular FMS capability for smaller commercial and military aircraft platforms requiring precise navigation, trajectory control and mission planning in all flight phases including challenging conditions.
Key features
First FACE-conformant FMS from a European company (April 2025)
LPV (Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance) capabilities
RNP-AR capabilities enabling accurate approaches without ground-based ILS
Flexible and open architecture with very low footprint
4 more features
Multiple instantiation options: core software only, standalone navigator (MCDU or tactile HMI), full avionics suite
Linefit and retrofit availability for civil and military platforms
Connectivity for external applications
High-integrity navigation and trajectory control in all flight phases including challenging weather
Technical specifications (4)
FACE Technical Standard conformant (first European FMS UoC to achieve conformance, April 2025)
Compliant with AC20-138D and TSO C115d
Meets ICAO standards
Very low footprint architecture
Certifications and approvals
EASA certified (FAR25 and FAR29 multiple instances)
FAA FAR25 and FAR29 certified (multiple instances)
Military qualifications for IFR on civil and military helicopters and fixed-wing platforms
FACE Conformant certificate (April 2025, awarded by The Open Group)
Biometric software for document-free airport journeys.
Verified deployments
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) – FaceBoarding trial with ITA Airways at Catania and Milan Linate
Profile data from the Aerostack companies register; deployment records from the verified register. Evidence grades: T1 first-party confirmation, T2 credible reporting. See Our approach for how records are graded.
Aerostack companies register
Aerostack tracks AI deployments across airports and airlines, with the published evidence behind each record. Photography is real aviation imagery. Record thumbnails may show the named airport or airline; other photographs do not.
