Airbus: iPad Is the Worlds Most Versatile Mobile Digital Device

Airbus, the famous maker of commercial planes, is proud to be the first to provide Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) performance-calculating applications for pilots on the iPad. The company chose the Apple tablet because it sets the benchmark for this device category, according to its EVP of Airbus Customer Services, Didier Lux.

Ever since the original iPad was introduced in 2010, more and more airlines have adopted Apple’s well-crafted tablet computer as a replacement for the heavy (paper-based) flight bags accompanying every pilot.

Thanks to Airbus’ recent initiative, airlines will now be able to download the first flight-centric applications as part of its “FlySmart with Airbus” EFB portfolio from the App Store.

Airbus worked closely with aviation and technology experts during the concept and development phase of its iPad EFB solutions to provide airlines an alternative to PC-based EFB devices.

The plane maker thinks this is huge, as pilots will be able to compute performance calculations, as well as consult Airbus’ Flight Operations Manuals, all “from a light hand-held device.”

Not to mention that pilots won’t have to carry around those hefty paper manuals around anymore. And let's not forget there’s no search bar on any of the thousands of pages that come in a flight bag.

Airbus trusts these devices as key cockpit tools for flying millions of people all around the globe. ‘Nuff said.
Image Credits: Airbus
Didier Lux, EVP of Airbus Customer Services, commented: “Fifteen years ago Airbus was the pioneer in providing the first EFB applications with the goal of creating the ‘paperless’ cockpit.”

“Today we go a step further: By combining our EFB content with the world’s most versatile mobile digital device, the iPad, airline pilots will be able to optimise aircraft performance in the palm of their hand, while obtaining savings in cost, weight and time,” Lux remarked.

Tested by Airbus pilots, the new iPad solution is compliant with Airbus EFB standards.

FlySmart with Airbus will become standard issue material for Airbus’ Flight Test and Training Department, the company also said, and licenses for the EFB apps are available exclusively to Airbus partners.

Via: Airbus: iPad Is the Worlds Most Versatile Mobile Digital Device