'Broader roll out' coming, says spokesman

Jetstar flights run by Australia's Qantas Airways will soon feature iPads for in-flight entertainment, Dow Jones reports. "We're in the final stages of putting in place what would be a broader roll out across the network," says a Jetstar spokesman. "We're in ongoing discussion with the manufacturer around a more integrated network proposition." An Apple Australia spokeswoman has declined to comment.

The deal could signify a new kind of revenue source for Apple, but it is not entirely unprecedented. iPads have enjoyed early popularity with corporate clients, particularly those bent on keeping workers mobile, such as Mercedes-Benz. The tablet's official US carrier, AT&T, recently revealed plans to sell iPads directly to businesses.

iPads should become available on domestic and long-haul Jetstar flights "later in the year," according to an earlier statement. During a June trial, passengers were required to submit ID and pay $10 AUD to use an iPad during a trip. It's not clear if the arrangement will carry over into final plans. A Qantas spokesman, meanwhile, notes that there are no plans to use iPads across its infrastructure, since international and all new domestic aircraft have seat-back entertainment systems.

by MacNN Staff