Jetstar’s inflight iPad app revealed

Jetstar is pushing ahead with plans to use the iPad for in-flight entertainment on its domestic and international flights beginning next month.

(The airline will be using the original first-generation iPad, not the latest iPad 2 model – so hopefully Jetstar is moving fast to take advantage of the cut-price deals now available to pick these up for less than $400 each!)

The iPads will be fitted with a custom case containing a second battery so they can run for over 20 hours between recharges.

The cases will be swapped out during the aircraft's turn-around time, although the iPads themselves will remain on board, with freshly charged battery packs being brought on board and fitted to the iPads for their next leg.

A flip-stand on the case will allow passengers to rest the iPad horizontally on the seat’s tray table, while the case also contains an RFID (radio frequency identification) chip to help prevent the iPad being stolen by light-fingered passengers.

Jetstar has also signed a "48 hour replacement agreement" with "an authorized Apple repairer" to ensure that problematic iPads are quickly fixed.

Each iPad will come preloaded with music, TV shows and music videos, games, ebooks and magazines. However the latest-release movies could be missing from the menu according to Stellar Inflight, the company tasked with lining up content for Jetstar’s inflight iPads.

In a presentation on Jetstar’s iPad plans during an aviation industry conference late last month (and snaffled by Mary Kirby at her Runway Girl blog), Stellar Inflight batted down questions over the available of ‘early window content’ – current screening or recent-release movies which have to be issued on DVD.

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Visit: Cost Accounting: A Managerial Emphasis (13th Edition) Horngren

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SAT AMONG THE 2011 BEST AIRPORT & CONCESSIONAIRE WINNERS

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) has placed 1st in two separate categories of Airport Revenue News ’ (ARN) 2011 Best Concessions Poll. SAT was named the Airport with the Most Unique Services in the small airports category (4 million enplanements or less) and tied for 1st with Edmonton International for the Airport with the Best Concessions Management Team.

The award for the airport with the Most Unique Services is awarded to the airport that has responded best to passenger demands for convenient, high-tech business services such as high speed fax and internet, wireless capabilities, conference rooms, business service centers and/or other business amenities.

“ Our hard work and dedication to quality airport services is paying off." said Aviation Director Frank R. Miller. “ We strive to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction by not only providing our customers with a wide array of national retail brands but also incorporating the local flavors of San Antonio by partnering with regional restaurants and retailers. ”

The airport was also named the Airport with the Best Concessions Management Team, which is currently contracted with Unison Consulting. “ Unison is pleased that the airport ’ s excellent concessions program has been recognized by the industry, ” said Anthony Q. Drake, Executive Vice President of Unison Consulting. “ San Antonio is a great example of what happens when the City and its management company work together, with concessionaires, to meet the needs of the traveling public. ”

ARN ’ s Best Concessions Poll is voted on by a panel of industry experts, who choose from stores, restaurants and airport programs that have been nominated in an earlier process. Airport Revenue News is the airport industry ’ s leading trade magazine covering airport revenue issues. The ARN Best Concessions awards are one of the most coveted recognitions in the industry and are reflective of the excellence the airport and concessionaire winners bring to the business

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Visit: Cost Accounting: A Managerial Emphasis (13th Edition) Horngren

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DHS Secretary Napolitano Statement on Northwest Flight 253

"I am grateful to the passengers and crew aboard Northwest Flight 253 who reacted quickly and heroically to an incident that could have had tragic results. The Department of Homeland Security immediately put additional screening measures into place- for all domestic and international flights- to ensure the continued safety of the traveling public. We are also working closely with federal, state and local law enforcement on additional security measures, as well as our international partners on enhanced security at airports and on flights.

The American people should continue their planned holiday travel and, as always, be observant and aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior or activity to law enforcement officials.

Passengers flying from international locations to U.S. destinations may notice additional security measures in place. These measures are designed to be unpredictable, so passengers should not expect to see the same thing everywhere. Due to the busy holiday travel season, both domestic and international travelers should allot extra time for check-in."