Had you been told even three years ago that Apple would be a force in commercial aviation you would have scoffed. They now are – and not because of any deliberate decision or strategy. The key Apple device making these in roads is the iPad.
Apple launched a brand-new video, showcasing creative business adaptations of its iPad. In the video, Apple highlights EVA Air for its use of the iPad as a flight-crew tool for advancing flight safety and service quality. EVA is the only Asian carrier to be featured in Apple’s business profiles program.
EVA's President conceived the idea of using iPads to enhance flight safety and efficiency. The airline provided them to flight crews in July 2011. All 800 of EVA’s pilots now perform some functions with iPads, 200 of the airline’s chief pursers have begun to employ them and the airline’s innovative adaptation of the latest technology is proving to be a success.
To incorporate iPads into cabin services, EVA took the next step to design two Apps, the Flight Operations Bag for pilots and the Cabin Information System for chief pursers. This platform and the convenient accessibility of the iPad cloud services enables flight crews to review needed information in advance of flights, anytime, anywhere. They can read flight plans and bulletins, or review passenger information with these Apps. Pilots and chief pursers can also take advantage of real-time access to download the most up-to-date versions of flight manuals, saving reams of paper, reducing total flight weight load and demonstrating environmental protection measures that complement everyday practices.
The device seems to be disruptive – it has cut EFB costs considerably. It is, without doubt, the easiest way for an airline to provide pilots with an EFB at lowest cost. While it may not perform all the functions pilots and airlines dream of, it easily achieves what is necessary now. Just losing the 30 pound bag of paperwork makes the device worthwhile. Apple is on to something big here. Already there are some 30,000 pilots in the US using iPads. It may be a small number for Apple, but a huge number for the airline industry.
Apple launched a brand-new video, showcasing creative business adaptations of its iPad. In the video, Apple highlights EVA Air for its use of the iPad as a flight-crew tool for advancing flight safety and service quality. EVA is the only Asian carrier to be featured in Apple’s business profiles program.
EVA's President conceived the idea of using iPads to enhance flight safety and efficiency. The airline provided them to flight crews in July 2011. All 800 of EVA’s pilots now perform some functions with iPads, 200 of the airline’s chief pursers have begun to employ them and the airline’s innovative adaptation of the latest technology is proving to be a success.
To incorporate iPads into cabin services, EVA took the next step to design two Apps, the Flight Operations Bag for pilots and the Cabin Information System for chief pursers. This platform and the convenient accessibility of the iPad cloud services enables flight crews to review needed information in advance of flights, anytime, anywhere. They can read flight plans and bulletins, or review passenger information with these Apps. Pilots and chief pursers can also take advantage of real-time access to download the most up-to-date versions of flight manuals, saving reams of paper, reducing total flight weight load and demonstrating environmental protection measures that complement everyday practices.
The device seems to be disruptive – it has cut EFB costs considerably. It is, without doubt, the easiest way for an airline to provide pilots with an EFB at lowest cost. While it may not perform all the functions pilots and airlines dream of, it easily achieves what is necessary now. Just losing the 30 pound bag of paperwork makes the device worthwhile. Apple is on to something big here. Already there are some 30,000 pilots in the US using iPads. It may be a small number for Apple, but a huge number for the airline industry.