China Southern Airlines selects Thales avionics to equip its new Airbus fleet

• Thales has been selected by China Southern Airlines Co., Ltd. to equip its 96 new A320neo aircraft with avionics solutions, namely, Flight Management System (FMS), Low Range Radio Altimeter (LRRA) and Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT).
• The new linefit selection strengthens the long-standing partnership between the two companies, demonstrating the airline's continued trust in Thales’ outstanding products and services.
• The civil aviation sector is recognized as one of the pillars of bilateral cooperation between China and France, and this new agreement further underscores the continued commitment of Thales to fully supporting China’s high-quality civil aviation development and ambition of "civil aviation power".

China Southern Airlines Co., Ltd., the carrier offering the largest annual air passenger capacity in China, will equip its new fleet of 96 A320neo with Thales market-leading avionics solutions. This new agreement is a fitting testament to the extensive cooperation in the field of civil aviation between France and China, which was emphasized in the recent Sino-French joint statement.

China Southern Airlines’ linefit selection of Thales avionics solutions for its 96 new A320neo aircraft includes Flight Management System (FMS), Low Range Radio Altimeter (LRRA) and Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT). Deliveries of aircraft will start in the second quarter of 2024 and continue through 2027. 

Since 2009, China Southern Airlines has selected Thales FMS to equip all its new A320 fleet. With an estimated market share of over 60% of aircraft in service, Thales FMS has proven to be the preferred choice for airlines worldwide, attributed to its unique functions, intuitive interface and exceptional reliability.

Based on proven technology and extensive industry know-how, Thales enhanced LRRA features unparalleled reliability and 5G immunity that enables a hi-level protection against 5G signal interference for the new fleet.  

China Southern Airlines is the first Chinese airline to select Ultima-S, Thales new generation ELT compliant with the lithium battery special conditions requirement set by the FAA and the EASA. Its portable and compact design makes it easy for cabin integration and life raft applications. 

"Thales and China Southern have established a strong partnership over the past decades. This new selection demonstrates the airlines’ continuous trust in Thales’ reliability and leading technology.” Mr. Thierry Weulersse, CEO of Thales in China and Mongolia, “As China and France agree on pushing forward the bilateral cooperation in civil aviation, Thales will keep the momentum to fully support China’s high-quality civil aviation development and ambition of ‘civil aviation power’.”

“Thales is honored to be ranked 2nd in the 2022 Airbus Supplier Ranking, second to Airbus itself, demonstrating the high-level satisfaction of Airbus users on our outstanding products and services. As a major Airbus fleet operator, China Southern can rest assured that we will provide them with excellent support and services,” said Francois Piolet, Vice President and General Manager, APAC & China, Aviation Global Services, Thales Avionics.

About Thales 
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies within three domains: Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Digital Identity & Security. It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.
The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key areas such as quantum technologies, Edge computing, 6G and cybersecurity.
Thales has 77,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2022, the Group generated sales of €17.6 billion.

About Thales in China
Thales provides innovative solutions for the infrastructure that forms the backbone of China’s growth. The Group has been present in China for more than 40 years and is the trusted partner for the Chinese aviation and urban rail transportation industries. In the meanwhile, from secure software to biometrics and encryption, Thales has successfully applied its advanced technology to mobile communication, Fintech, automobile connectivity and software monetization, etc. Thales has 3 JVs and employs 1,900 people with offices located in 7 cities in China. Thales established R&D centers and Innovation Hubs in Beijing, Dalian and Hong Kong to provide innovative solutions for both China and international market. 

About China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines Co., Ltd. is directly affiliated with China Southern Air Holding Company Ltd., specializing in air transportation services. With headquarters based in Guangzhou, China Southern Airlines possesses the largest fleet and the most developed route network, and offers the largest passenger capacity among any airline in the People's Republic of China.
Currently, China Southern Airlines operates more than 860 passenger and cargo transport aircraft, including Boeing B787, B777, B747 and B737, as well as Airbus A330, A321, A320, A319 and ARJ21. The fleet of China Southern Air Holding Company Ltd. ranks 1st in Asia (Data source: IATA, in terms of fleet size).