[TOULOUSE] Singapore Airlines Ltd picked Thales SA to provide in-flight entertainment systems and Internet connections for passengers on its newest widebody long-range plane, the Airbus Group SE A350.

The deal is an important milestone in Thales' push to become number one in in-flight entertainment systems, chairman Patrice Caine said Tuesday at the Singapore Airshow.

Mr Caine declined to say how many planes would be equipped with Thales' systems, saying Singapore Air had asked for confidentiality. He also declined to specify the value of the contract, calling it "sensitive."

Until now, Singapore Air had used Japan's Panasonic as key supplier for cabin entertainment systems. Singapore Air is widely seen as a global leader in providing passengers with the latest technologies and comfort.

BLOOMBERG