Jetstar to trial rent-an-iPad service



Jetstar will launch a trial of of new in-flight entertainment system featuring the new iPad tablet computer.

The program will roll out later this month on on selected domestic routes across Australia.

The iPads will loaded up with in-flight entertainment such as videos, e-books, magazines, games and music. The devices will be rented out at a cost of $10.

"Given the demand for the iPad so far, I anticipate it will have strong appeal amongst our passengers," said Jetstar CEO Bruce Buchanan in a press release.


Jetstar is teaming up with the British company Bluebox Avionics and Stellar Inflight to implement the trial.

Bluebox has previously provided hardware and software for viewing content for in-flight entertainment systems.

The company says the system will even allows for the iPad to be used during take-off and landing, when other electronic devices have to be shut off.

With a screen size of 9.7-inches, the iPad is almost the exact dimension of many built-in entertainment units currently being used by airlines.

One game that probably won't be on offer is Flight Control, a game made by the Melbourne-based developer Firemint. The game requires players to land a number of planes without crashing them into one another.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au