Airlines embrace technology with Apple’s iPad2

Despite the fact that air transport relies on amazing technology to keep people safely in the air, airlines themselves are not known for embracing new fangled systems. Take for example passenger manifests, cabin crew have to check off names on reams of paper to ensure that all passengers are present and accounted for. British Airways (BA) intends to change all that with its new (pun intended) pilot project.
BA has already issued 100 crew members with iPad 2s, which should make their lives easier and improve customer service. In a press release published on 17 August, Bill Francis, BA’s head of in-flight customer experience, said, “The iPad is already allowing us to offer a more personalised onboard service, but the possibilities for future development are endless. We’re receiving great feedback from cabin crew and customers already. It allows the crew to offer the thoughtful service they want to deliver and customers are treated as valued guests.”

Apple’s nifty devices will do much more than allow crew members to see who boarded the flight and who didn’t. They will also contain information on customer preferences, like dietary requirements, so that they can ensure customers received proper service. Personalised service is the watchword.
Furthermore, they will replace weighty flight manuals and provide instant, real-time updates on everything that occurs on the flight.

According to PC Mag, British Airways maybe on the cutting edge of in-flight technology but it was by no means the first airline to embrace iPads. American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Delta Airlines have already issued iPad2s to some of their cabin crew with positive results. The benefits are wider than improved customer service and productivity; iPads weigh about 33 pounds (+/- 15kg) less than traditional flight charts and American Airlines is reportedly saving $1.5 millions in print costs.