Emirates to Use Windows 8 Devices on Flights

Emirates is handing out 1000 HP ElitePad 900 tablets to the flight attendants; it also has an app specific to airlines. The airline made the announcement at a Windows 8 launch event in Dubai. The HP ElitePad 900 was chosen since it has a long battery life and is lightweight. It is also designed specifically for businesses and promises to be a valuable addition for flight crews.

The App

Known as KIS or Knowledge Driven In-Flight Service, this app is tailored for use with airplane and customer information. The goal is better customer service ith these Windows 8 devices. KIS has been used by Emirates since 2004, but has not been uploaded for use in-flight.
The HP ElitePad 900 will be available for use in January 2013, which is when Emirates plans to roll out the new device to flight crew. It expects to have the device on 100 flights in the first month and 1,000 by the end of the year.

A Leader

Emirates is often the leader in airlines when it comes to technology. The airline began allowing cell phone use on flights back in 2006. Passengers could also send emails and text messages. It has also upgraded the service with WiFi to make it easier for passengers to make phone calls in flight.
Emirates is not the only airline moving into the 21st century with its technology. American Airlines will also start using tablets on flights. It will replace paper manuals for the crew with the iPad for pilots to use at all times during the flight. The airline has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to make the change. One argument is that it will save around $1.2 million in fuel costs because the lightweight iPad is more efficient than the kitbag that weighs 35 pounds.
All of these changes are designed to make the airlines more efficient and provide better customer service.

[Image via originaltop10]