British Airways is to equip all its pilots with iPads to increase efficiency and improve customer service, the airline has announced. (Featured image by British Airways)
The rollout of the iPad to BA’s 3,600 pilots follows the airline’s move to provide cabin crew and ground staff with the Apple tablet computer.
The rollout to pilots is part of BA’s £5 billion investment in new technology and products to improve its flying experience for customers.
The iPads will give pilots access to extra real-time operational data which can be shared with BA’s ground staff.
Using the most accurate information available before departure, pilots will be able to plan a flight more efficiently and improve the airline’s service.
Not only that, but staff will be able to give passengers faster access to more accurate flight information – allowing them to make plans if, for example, their flight times have changed.
By using data provided by customers, both historic and current, pilots will be able to give a more personalised service during flights.
“As pilots we want to deliver a safe and memorable experience for each and every British Airways customer, on every single flight,” said Captain Stephen Riley, British Airways’ director of flight operations.
“The iPads will help us to achieve this goal by giving us the means to provide a more personalised service and share more timely flight information with our customers and colleagues.”
BA rolled out iPads to cabin crew across its fleet last year, following a successful trial period. The tablets use specially-developed software and apps to help crew deliver a more personalised customer experience.
“The possibilities for future development of the iPad are endless, and this is only the beginning,” Frank van der Post, British Airways’ managing director of brands and customer experience, said ahead of the roll-out.
“Once the roll-out has been completed, our crew worldwide will be able to offer a premium and more thoughtful onboard service to customers in every cabin.”
