Edible Apple

One week after we reported that Delta was handing out limited numbers of iPads to pilots in an effort to digitize the cockpit comes word from across the pond that British Airways is handing out iPads to cabin crews in an effort to provide better customer service in the air.

The iPad lets crew quickly identify where each customer is seated, who they are travelling with, their Executive Club status and any special meal requests. It gives cabin crew a whole library of information at their fingertips including timetables, safety manuals and customer service updates. It also means any issues can be logged with ground-based colleagues around the network prior to departure so solutions can be delivered while the flight is airborne.

When all the passengers have boarded and just before the doors are shut, cabin crew are currently handed a long scroll of paper, listing up to 337 customers. With the new iPads cabin crew will simply refresh their screen when the doors have closed through wireless 3G networks and they will have a complete list of passengers on board.

British Airways’ iPad endeavor is already being put through the paces with 100 cabin crews and the airline has plans to supply Apple’s tablet device to all senior crew members in the coming months.

The iPad appears to be slowly but surely infiltrating the friendly skies.

As we mentioned above, Delta has its own iPad program in-play though it’s goal is more about streamlining the flight process for a plane’s pilot and in-flight crew rather than as a means to improve customer service. Specifically, Delta’s iPad program aims to position the device as an electronic flight bag capable of housing operating manuals, navigation charts and more while simultaneously cutting down on the use of bulky paper binders. Not only that, but the iPad can be used by pilots to access up-to-date weather information, security advisories, and reroute information.

It certainly looks like the iPad in the sky, much like on the ground, wears many hats.

via British Airways