United Airlines pilots utilize custom iPad apps
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United Airlines has shared that its implementation of custom apps and Apple hardware such as the iPad, has made notable differences in day-to-day operations.
Apple has a business website that collects success stories by corporations big and small thanks to implementing Apple hardware. The latest success is from United Airlines utilizing Apple technology for more than a decade.
According to the website, United Airlines has over 120,000 Apple devices deployed across its 85,000 employees. The company has implemented custom apps for iPhone and iPad across its divisions to save time and money.
Maintenance techs use Touch ID on iPad to authorize Maintenance Release Documents. United Airlines is the first airline to digitize this process with approval from the FAA thanks to Touch ID.
That simple change saves 10 minutes per maintenance check, which has translated to 13 million minutes saved since the feature was implemented.
Gate check and in-flight attendants have access to custom apps that speed up the boarding process. Also, the apps let customers make requests directly to the attendant.
Pilots take advantage of the SkyPath app to plan flights and ensure air traffic and turbulence are minimized. The accelerometer built into the iPad gives pilots real-time turbulence data.
"iPad is the most essential piece of equipment we use every day," says Mansur Zia, Lead Line Technician at United Airlines. "It brings the whole airline — flight crews, flight attendants, customer service, maintenance — together."
United Airlines has come a long way from implementing 11,000 iPads in 2011 just to go paperless. Apple regularly updates its business website with stories about companies' success using Apple products.
