Cybersecurity services for airlines

Protecting operations, passengers and compliance from ground to air

Cyber protection
Civil Aviation
Commercial aviation

Airlines face increasing cyber threats across their operations and passenger interactions. From booking systems to aircraft communications, every layer is exposed to evolving risks.

Thales supports airlines with advanced cybersecurity services, starting with comprehensive risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities, and extending to the protection of critical operations, passenger data and regulatory compliance, while ensuring seamless continuity across the entire journey.

Protect what matters most for airlines

Ensure business continuity

Thales helps keep critical operations running with resilient cybersecurity across airline systems.
Secure the passenger journey

We protect data and digital interactions from booking to boarding.
Stay compliant worldwide

With Thales, airlines can align with evolving aviation and cybersecurity regulations.

A unique dual vision for airlines

Thales combines deep expertise in aeronautics and cybersecurity to address the specific challenges of the aviation industry.

- With over 8,000 aeronautical staff, 500 operators, and a presence in 30+ countries, Thales is committed to driving the aviation industry’s digital and cybersecurity transformation. 

- With over 6,000 cyber experts, eight Cyber Security Operations Centres (CSOCs), local centers of delivery worldwide, three specialized CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) and a global CTI (Cyber Threat Intelligence) team, Thales provides industry-leading cybersecurity capabilities.

This dual expertise enables Thales to secure both IT systems, operational technologies (OT), and aircraft environments, ensuring a holistic approach to airline cybersecurity.

Criticality of cybersecurity for airlines

76% of aviation-related cyberattacks targeted airlines
46% of attacks were linked to fraudulent websites
29% of ransomware attacks in the aviation sector impacted airlines

Cyberattacks such as phishing, ransomware and brand impersonation can lead to financial losses, operational disruption, reputational damage and a degraded passenger experience.

Source: EATM-CERT 2023 report (2022 data)

Key challenges facing airlines

Business continuity: safeguarding airline operations

Cyberattacks can disrupt, among other systems, flight operations, booking platforms and communication systems. To ensure system availability, reduce downtime and maintain operational resilience, airlines rely on strong cybersecurity capabilities and rapid incident response.

Regulatory compliance: meeting industry standards

Airlines must comply with evolving cybersecurity regulations across regions. Continuous monitoring, audits and proactive risk management are essential to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

Reputation and brand protection: preserving trust

A cyber incident can severely impact customer trust and brand image. Protecting sensitive data and ensuring transparency during incidents is essential to preserve competitiveness and loyalty.

Passenger experience: securing digital interactions

Passengers expect secure and seamless digital experiences throughout their journey. Cybersecurity is critical to protect personal data, secure transactions and maintain service quality.

How Thales supports airline cybersecurity

Thales delivers a comprehensive approach structured around three key pillars.

Cyber consulting and compliance

We define and implement a cybersecurity strategy aligned with airline operations and regulatory requirements.

Cyber strategy definition and governance: Our experts assess risks and create a roadmap to strengthen defenses, securing flight systems, passenger data, and network infrastructure.
Compliance with PART-IS and NIS2 regulations
Risk analysis and cyber maturity assessments
Cyber technical audits: Our Cyber Technical Audits evaluate airline cybersecurity maturity, addressing vulnerabilities in IT (cloud, network security) and OT systems (aircraft communication and operational control). 
Cyber training programs (on-site, online or hybrid) as well as awareness campaigns and simulations

Security integration

Deploy and integrate cybersecurity solutions across your entire ecosystem.

End-to-end integration of cybersecurity technologies: Leveraging leading cybersecurity technologies and trusted industry partners (SIEM, SOAR, IAM, Data Protection, Network security, WAF, AI security , etc)
Protection of IT, OT and IoT environments
Scalable and secure infrastructure deployment
Continuous threat exposure management

Detect and respond

Protect your airline against evolving threats with real-time monitoring and rapid response.

Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI): By analyzing global threat data and monitoring trends specific to the aviation industry, we help you proactively identify and mitigate risks that could impact your operations, from airport systems to in-flight communications. 
Continuous monitoring with Digital Risk Protection Services (DRPS) : By continuously monitoring the surface web, deep web, and dark web, we detect potential threats such as data leaks, brand impersonation, and targeted attacks on your online platforms.
Managed Detection & Response (MDR): Continuously monitor IT and operational environments to detect threats early and enable fast, coordinated response to security incidents.
Advanced Threat Hunting Services
Digital Forensics & Incident Response (DFIR): A 24/7 service as a retainer or on-demand service to provide immediate assistance to investigate, contain and recover, helping minimize downtime and ensure continuity.
Crisis management and simulation

Securing the Connected Aircraft Ecosystem

Modern aircraft operate within a highly connected environment combining passenger services, onboard connectivity, aircraft communications, maintenance platforms and ground infrastructures. Each new interface increases the potential attack surface and introduces new cybersecurity challenges.

Thales supports airlines and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) with comprehensive cyber assessments covering both technical and non‑technical dimensions. Our experts review organizational processes as well as system configurations, conduct penetration tests, and assess the robustness of embedded and connected systems across a wide range of aviation environments. Including, when relevant, the Airline Information Services Domain (AISD) and the Passenger Information & Entertainment Services Domain (PIESD). Helping operators to identify vulnerabilities and validate efficient security controls.

Beyond identifying vulnerabilities and validating existing security controls, we help operators strengthen their overall cyber posture through:

Gap assessments to benchmark current practices against regulatory and industry expectations, and to plan the integration of upcoming or newly introduced regulations
Aviation‑specialized risk analysis to support informed decision‑making without overlapping with formal Risk Assessment processes
Threat modelling and detection strategies tailored to the aviation environment
Adaptive action plans fully aligned with evolving regulatory requirements
Rapid Response Team to assist operators in managing and containing cyber incident

By combining deep aviation expertise with a complete cybersecurity approach, Thales helps airlines secure every layer of the connected aviation ecosystem and maintain trust in critical digital operations.