Jetstar, the budget carrier of Qantas Airways, will commence a trial of Apple’s iPad tablet computers for in-flight entertainment later this month. The airline will charge passengers $8.40 to use the iPads for movies, books, games and television programs, Melbourne- based Jetstar said in an e-mailed statement Monday. Internet browsing will be disabled in keeping with the airline’s policy on use of mobile phones and computers, spokeswoman Andrea Wait said.
Apple, which introduced the iPad in Australia last week, has sold more than 2 million globally in the first 60 days since the computer made its debut April 3. Jetstar has bought “several hundred” devices, which will be available on flights lasting more than 90 minutes, according to Wait.
“Given the demand for the iPad so far, I anticipate it will have strong appeal amongst our passengers,” Jetstar chief executive Bruce Buchanan said in the statement.
The iPad has a 9.7-inch touch- screen display that lets users read books and magazines, view videos and play games. Bloomberg News; Associated Press photo
