iPad Flies the Friendly Skies

On most flights you can’t even get a lousy bag of peanuts, but in the near future you just might get an iPad. London based Bluebox Avionics has ported their bluebox AI In Flight Entertainment (IFE) system to the Apple iPad. Bluebox AI allows passengers to watch the latest in-flight movies, listen to music, read magazines and play a wide range of games from the Apple App Store.

Airlines have historically taken a number of approaches to in-flight entertainment ranging from standard overhead systems to in-seat units and even portable units.  This is the first solution to use the iPad as a commercialized in-flight system. Bluebox takes an innovative approach by using WiFi to deliver entertainment and data services instead of the more complex and costly wired solution. They also offer the airlines customized apps to differentiate and brand their passenger service.

Bluebox said they will be launching in July with an undisclosed international carrier and they plan to offer the system to other carriers shortly thereafter.

We can definitely see this being offered by the airlines to their premium first and business class passengers.  The iPad is a hot item right now and fits the premium image many airlines are trying to achieve in an attempt to differentiate themselves from their competitors.  With its long battery life, large screen, diverse media and app eco-system, we feel the iPad is an ideal travel companion.

Next time you’re in the air and a flight attendant asks if they can get you anything, you just might want to ask them if they have an iPad you can use.