Airline confirms in-flight iPad trial

For consumers reluctant to splash out on the new iPad, how about trialing one when jetting off on holiday?
From later this June, Australian budget carrier Jetstar is to offer passengers iPads for inflight entertainment, the company said June 1.
Jetstar will rent the devices for AUD10 (€6.85) per flight on domestic services, aiming to roll the trial out to international services later in 2010.
Passengers will be able to watch preloaded music videos, movies or TV programs, read e-books, listen to music or play games on the devices.
However, internet connectivity will be disabled in line with Jetstar's in-flight regulations.
"Given the demand for the iPad so far, I anticipate it will have strong appeal amongst our passengers," said Jetstar chief Bruce Buchanan.
"Based on demand for the iPads as part of the trial, we'll be looking to roll out the devices across our entire domestic and international network later in the year."
Jetstar says it is the first airline to make the devices available for passengers, although several hotel chains now provide them for guests to play with.
InterContinental concierges got their hands on the devices first, on the US launch date, followed quickly by guests at one of London's swankiest venues The Berkeley.
Among many others, the Westin New York, Hilton San Diego and Hotel Indigo San Diego and Ritz-Carlton Chicago are now offering iPads for guests.
Relaxnews

Published 02.06.2010