AppleInsider Staff
Hawaii's largest airline, and the 11th largest in the U.S., Hawaiian Airlines announced on Thursday that it will be offering Apple's iPad mini to passengers traveling on routes served by its fleet of Boeing 767-300 aircraft.
The airline is contracting with Bluebox Avionics, an in-flight entertainment system supplier, to roll out the iPad minis in a total of 14 planes by Sept. 1. In all, 1,400 tablets will be dispensed to cover the 14 routes from Hawaiian Airlines' hub in Honolulu to the U.S. mainland, Asia, the South Pacific.
"With the help of Bluebox Avionics, we're building on our acclaimed inflight service by incorporating the latest in popular consumer tech products to enhance our in-flight entertainment options," said Hawaiian Airlines vice president of product development Blaine Miyasato.
With the mini, passengers will have access to over 100 hours of movies, TV shows and games. Those traveling in Business Class will get to use the tablets free of charge, while those seated in Economy Class need to reserve units for $15 at the gate or $17 in-flight.
The new option is not meant to completely replace existing in-flight entertainment systems built into planes' seat backs, which are usually free for all passengers. Instead, the iPad minis will augment Hawaiian's offerings, much like systems offered by United Airlines and other major carriers.
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
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Christine McKee
21 Comments
1) why a mini and not the larger one? 2) will they access the Internet, or is it only pre installed vids and offline gaming?
[quote name="PhilBoogie" url="/t/159270/apples-ipad-mini-to-be-offered-by-hawaiian-airlines-as-in-flight-entertainment#post_2387318"]1) why a mini and not the larger one? 2) will they access the Internet, or is it only pre installed vids and offline gaming?[/quote] They cost and weigh less.
1) why a mini and not the larger one?
2) will they access the Internet, or is it only pre installed vids and offline gaming?
.68 lb for iPad mini versus 1.44 lb for iPad (both wifi versions)... so close to a pound and 1400 tablets for 14 planes, or 100 tablets per plane and your looking at lugging around close to 75 lbs of dead weight when the iPad Mini can accomplish the same entertainment value as the full size iPad. If you think gas for your car at $3.50 to $4.00/gal is bad, try pricing jet fuel for a few hops for the day! Every little bit of less weight the plane has to carry, even 75 pounds, can save the airline big bucks at the end of the year.
First they kill Bento, and then they serve Hawaiian Lunch? That is wildly inconsistent
... keep the good news coming anyhow!
[quote name="dreyfus2" url="/t/159270/apples-ipad-mini-to-be-offered-by-hawaiian-airlines-as-in-flight-entertainment#post_2387323"]First they kill Bento, and then they serve Hawaiian Lunch? That is wildly inconsistent ... keep the good news coming anyhow! [/quote] Does Hawaiian Lunch come with Hawaiian Punch? :lol: