British Airways have announced that 100 cabin crew are currently testing the use of Apple iPads in a bid to increase customer service.
BA, which operates flights to destinations worldwide, including flights to Sydney, has introduced the iPad to senior cabin crew as a time-saving tool.
Under the existing system after all passengers have boarded a BA plane and just before the doors of the plane are shut, cabin crew are handed a long scroll of paper, listing up to 337 flight passengers. Under the ‘iPad system’ cabin crew will simply refresh their screen when the doors have closed through wireless 3G networks, giving them a complete list of passengers on board.
BA claim that use of the device on board will help cabin crew quickly identify where each customer is seated, who they are travelling with, their Executive Club status and any special meal requests.
“The iPad is already allowing us to offer a more personalised onboard service, but the possibilities for future development are endless,” says Bill Francis, British Airways’ head of in-flight customer experience.
“We’re receiving great feedback from cabin crew and customers already. It allows the crew to offer the thoughtful service they want to deliver and customers are treated as valued guests.”
In addition to passenger information, the use of iPads should also make it easier for crews to access important information such as timetables, safety manuals and customer service updates.
British Airways also hope that the use of the new technology will ensure that any issues can be logged with ground-based colleagues around the network prior to departure so solutions can be delivered while the plane is in the air.
After the initial trial has been completed BA aims to roll the iPads out across senior crew members across the airline in the coming months.
