American airline ‘JetBlue’ equips pilots with M1 iPad Pro for more real-time capabilities

American domestic airline ‘JetBlue’ has become the first passenger carrier to introduce Apple’s latest M1 iPad Pro to its pilots, this summer. The tablets will be used for digital documentation, real-time weather updates to avoid turbulence, loading operational tracking apps, maintenance checks, and much more.

Two new 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models with M1 Apple Silicon were launched in April that delivers fast performance, incredible battery life, 5G network support, and more in a portable device. The tablet’s cutting-edge technology made it JetBlue’s choice of device for the cockpit.

JetBlue chooses 11-inch M1 iPad Pro for its new pilots

The airliner did not explicitly mention which model it had chosen, but it did mention the display tech. 11-inch M1 iPad Pro is equipped with Liquid Retina display (advance LCD panel) and 12.9-inch M1 iPad Pro is shipped with Liquid Retina XDR display (mini-LED). As per the display mentioned in the announcement, JetBlue has chosen the 11-inch variant.

iPad Pro is the right fit for the cockpit, with its thin, light design and large, bright Liquid Retina display. The new iPad Pro features the industry-leading M1 chip, which offers next-level performance when pilots are running more than a dozen apps throughout the duration of the flight. iPad Pro’s fast 5G capabilities delivers better performance and access to next-generation download and upload speeds.

iPad is already an integral part of JetBlue’s flight operations. In 2013, the airliner received Federal Aviation Administration’s approval to pilots iPads to enable more real-time features in the cockpit. “Since then, the airline continues to trust iPad to provide everything pilots need at the touch of their fingertips, even at 35,000 feet in the air.” Thus, the airline will provide iPad Pro to new incoming pilots and will gradually replace the older models with the new ones.

“Not only will the new iPad Pro with M1 take our pilots to the next level of advanced technology, but also future-proof JetBlue with top-of-the-line hardware for years to come,” said Captain Chuck Cook, director communications, navigation, surveillance and technical programs.

Recently, California State University announced a new initiative in which it will provide iPad Air to 35,000 freshmen and new transfer students to reduce equity gaps amongst students.