LiveTV headquarters in Melbourne, Fla. Photo: LiveTV

[Via Satellite 06-13-2014] Thales Group completed its acquisition of LiveTV from JetBlue for $399 million. The acquisition of LiveTV strengthens Thales’ In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) business unit. LiveTV has outfitted more than 700 aircraft worldwide, and provides solutions in connectivity, live television and wireless video services.

Thales hopes to leverage these solutions along with its Avant entertainment system to align its IFEC business with long-term goals around connected services within all industry segments, both in terms of premium and low-cost solutions.

“Our evolving product and service portfolio will enable airlines, on any fleet-size, aircraft type or route structure, to offer their passengers a highly robust connected experience before, during and after flight,” said Alan Pellegrini, CEO of Thales USA. “The capabilities we now have strengthen our foundation as both a leading In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity systems manufacturer and connectivity service provider.”