Opera Software has recently signed an agreement which states that it accepts having its browser and also related software for next-generation in-flight entertainment systems, built on Web technology.

This agreement will be active for one year and the partner Opera selected is a French company, called Thales, that provides in flight entertainment systems for airlines. The French company specializes in video-on-demand and broadband services for Boeing and Airbus aircrafts.

The two companies already have a history together; last year, Thales added Web browsing capablities to Thales' TopSeries system, which is used by over 15 airlines, among which Air Canada and Air France.

As a part of the new agreement, the companies will start developing a different user interface, which passengers will use to access the Web, watch movies or play games. Basically, using a notebook while flying will not be necessary anymore, most activities previously available only for notebook owners will pe accessible to all passengers. They will be able to check their mail or browse the Internet using the screens in the seatback facing him or her.
Thales is still working on how to incorporate a keyboard and a mouse into the new system, which may not be ready until 2007.