1time Airline will become the first airline in Africa and only the third airline in the world, after Alaska Airlines and American Airlines, to introduce Apple’s iPad 2 into the pilots’ flight deck, as an all-in-one Electronic Flight Bag (EFB).

An EFB is an electronic information management device which supports hundreds of general aviation applications, which simplify pre-flight planning and assist with in-flight operations. EFB devices can display a variety of aviation data or perform basic calculations, such as performance data, as well as fuel calculations.

Apple’s iPad 2 sports a light, slim and versatile appearance, which ensures that it is more beneficial than a notebook and ideally suited to be used as an EFB.

The iPad 2 has also has been cleared by the American Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) as a device that doesn’t interfere with airplane electronics. The device has a ten-hour rated battery life, resulting in pilots being able to use the device on long flights, without needing to connect it to a power socket in the flight deck.

Through this paperless application, 1time’s pilots will have electronic fingertip access to a variety of vital resources normally included in a pilot’s carry-on flight bag. This includes exchange/mail capacity, rostering, the latest weather updates, passenger information and loads, system and performance manuals, as well as  electronic weight and balance.

1time’s chief executive officer, Rodney James notes that the use of the iPad 2 as an EFB will ensure that the airline’s pilots’ duties are simplified and more efficient.

“The EFB application for the iPad 2 is truly unique, and will help our flight crews perform flight management tasks more easily, swiftly, and efficiently. It also results in the creation of a paper-less environment.”

James further noted that 1time will continue to seek technological solutions that benefit its customers and operations. 1time is working closely with aviation expert Jeppesen, the South African Civil Aviation Authority, as well as Apple, in order to ensure that the iPad 2 is ready for its new role.