JetBlue To Replace All The iPads It Has Given To Pilots

JetBlue will replace all of its iPads issued to pilots in the coming months and years. The airline is upgrading to the new M1 chip iPad Pro, released by Apple in April. The new device will future-proof JetBlue’s cockpit and ensure pilots have access to the most modern technology while flying.

As JetBlue expands its reach into the long-haul market, new technology will ensure that pilots stay on track through the journey. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Upgrade

In a statement yesterday, JetBlue announced that it has begun equipping its pilots with the new Apple iPad Pro, featuring the M1 chip. New pilots will receive the device immediately, while existing ones will see replacements for their older iPads over time. The carrier has not set a timeline for the phase-out of older devices, likely making this a multi-year or months-long process.

Pilots use iPads while flying for several important tasks, including operational tracking, weather and turbulence monitoring, system maintenance checks, and accessing manuals in-flight. This makes these devices critical to a safe flight and explains why JetBlue is willing to spend thousands of dollars in modernizing its technology.

JetBlue has long been an early adopter of new technology to boost pilot safety and efficiency while flying. Photo: JetBlue

JetBlue employs over 3,600 pilots in total, making this an expensive undertaking for the airline. However, the airline believes inducting the latest M1 iPad Pro will bring a host of benefits for pilots. The latest iPad is lighter, features a new, brighter retina display, and comes with cutting-edge performance thanks to the M1 processor (the same one found in the new Macbook Air and Pro).

The addition of the M1 iPad Pros will mean JetBlue won’t have to invest in new ones for at least a few years too. In a statement, JetBlue’s Director of Communications, Navigation, Surveillance and Technical Programs, Captain Chuck Cook, said,

“Not only will the new iPad Pro with M1 take our pilots to the next level of advanced technology, but also future-proof JetBlue with top-of-the-line hardware for years to come.”

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Up-to-date

When it comes to technology, JetBlue prides itself on being up-to-date. The carrier received FAA approval to use iPads in the cockpit in 2013 and has since issued them to all pilots. Access to real-time information can be extremely helpful during the flight, allowing for easier communications and active monitoring of weather activity to avoid turbulence.

As flight deck’s become more technological-enabled, iPads will only become more popular among pilots. Photo: Getty Images

However, JetBlue is not the only airline pursuing a modernization program. In April, Delta announced that it would issue 19,000 iPhone 12s to its flight attendants across the airline. This would allow access to AT&T’s 5G network, making Delta the first carrier to offer coverage. The iPhone 12 offers cabin crew several benefits, namely faster access to passenger information, access safety videos, and even use Augmented Reality (AR) to locate items.

The coming years will see airlines globally shifting towards modern technology for inflight operations. By reducing paper usage and offering real-time updates, mobiles and tablets are a huge boost for crew everywhere.

What do you think about JetBlue’s decision to upgrade its iPad offering? Let us know in the comments!

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