Qantas becomes launch customer for Airbus iPad flight bag

QF IpAD EFB — Qantas will soon begin using the iPad-based electronic flight bag it has jointly developed with Airbus. (Airbus)

Qantas has become a launch customer for Airbus’s iPad cockpit applications. The electronic flight bag (EFB) will be used aboard all Airbus aircraft in the Qantas fleet.

The system will enable flight crew to consolidate paper manuals into electronic form and to compute aircraft performance calculations. Qantas and Airbus have been collaborating on EFB design and functionality since the intention to acquire the technology was first announced mid-year.

Qantas’s head of flight technical, Capt. David Oliver, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Airbus on this innovative new EFB application, which will form part of the broader roll-out of iPads to all Qantas pilots over the coming months. Qantas is committed to new technology that reduces paperwork in the cockpit and improves access to information for our pilots, and this app very much meets that requirement.”