We know Qantas Airways’ low-cost airline Jetstar was preparing to launch an iPad rental service for quite some time now. Apparently doing so is not as easy as it sounds due to contract negotiations and licensing agreements with Apple and content owners. However things are moving forward and it is expected that the new service launches in April, offering passengers an iPad for AU$10 per flight.
According to Australian Business Traveler, the in-flight iPads will come pre-loaded with “movies, music, magazines, books and games” and will be initially available on Jetstar’s A320 flights in Australia and Asia. If everything goes as planned — and I see no reason why it wouldn’t “fly” — the airline will expand the service to every aircraft “because they [iPads] are so much slimmer and lighter than our existing units,” according to Jetstar’s marketing manager David May.
Moreover, I would guess if things run smoothly for the Australian airline, we may see the same or similar services being offered by other companies as well. If I were at the Motorola’s helm, I would make sure every friggin’ airline passenger tries out the Xoom. That will help both the airline get some additional revenue and Motorola reach more potential customers.
[Via: TUAW]