Thales to acquire LiveTV, market leader in TV and Broadband Connectivity for aircraft
Melbourne Florida (USA), 13 March 2014 – Thales today signed a binding agreement to acquire LiveTV, JetBlue’s fully-owned subsidiary for a total of US$400m dollars. The sale which is subject to regulatory and other approvals is expected to be completed in mid-2014.
Founded in 1998 in Melbourne, Florida (United States of America) LiveTV provides In-Flight Entertainment solutions for Seat Back, Regional Live Television, Wireless Video and Global Live television, and Connectivity solutions covering Ka-Band Broadband, Multi Band Broadband(Ku, Ka and L-Band), LiveAero and Regional Satellite Radio. With estimated revenues for 2014 projected at over US$150m, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JetBlue Airways and today employs around 450 people.
LiveTV has been a pioneer in the field of TV and more recently high speed airline and passenger Internet and communications services. LiveTV has equipped more than 700 aircraft worldwide with a range of extremely competitive products.
“LiveTV is a great strategic fit for Thales, commented Jean-Bernard Lévy, Chairman and CEO Thales. It will improve our positioning in the high growth business of In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity. Our aim is to offer the highest performance, and most competitive and flexible connectivity solution to airlines regardless of their fleet-size, aircraft type or route structure.”
“Passengers increasingly expect broadband internet services at home, at work and on the move. Airlines want to enable their passengers to have access to this connected environment within the aircraft, allowing them to interact with both social media and professional networks while they travel. Thales will provide solutions that cater to this need” he continued.
About Thales Group
Thales is a global technology leader in the Aerospace, Transportation and Defence & Security markets. In 2013, the company generated revenues of €14.2 billion with 65,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners
About JetBlue Airways
JetBlue has successfully carved out a niche among competitors focused on serving the customer who is under-served by other airlines, by delivering unparalleled value to customers with its core product offerings, including a first checked bag free of charge (a), unlimited complimentary in-flight snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, and a live in-flight entertainment system with 36 channels of free DIRECTV programming and more than 100 channels of free XM Satellite Radio at every comfortable leather seat (b). In addition, JetBlue recently launched Fly-Fi, its game-changing broadband internet service, currently offered for free and available on 21 aircraft, with more being equipped every week. Customers can expect outstanding service from the friendliest crewmembers in the sky while they kick back and enjoy the most legroom in coach of any U.S. airline (c).
JetBlue is a leading carrier in New York, Boston, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Los Angeles/Long Beach, Orlando and San Juan. JetBlue carries 30 million customers a year to 82 cities in the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America with an average of 800 daily flights. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all fares are one-way, and an overnight stay is never required. For more information please visit JetBlue.com.
About LiveTV
LiveTV is the world's leading provider of live in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems for commercial airlines. Founded in 1998 in Melbourne, Florida, LiveTV has maintenance and support locations around the world to serve the more than 700 aircraft equipped with its products. Current customers include JetBlue, Frontier, AirTran, Alitalia, Virgin Blue, WestJet and Azul. For a full listing of products and partners, or for more information, please visit www.livetv.net.