IndiGo Airlines is handing away free Apple iPads to its ATR pilots in an effort to boost operational efficiency and decrease paper weight in each cockpit. The airline just unveiled the 'NextGen EFB' program. The initiative equips all ATR pilots with personalized 9th-generation iPads.

"The 'NextGen EFB' program provides pilots with faster, more efficient, and brighter iPad 9th generation devices, which include the powerful A13 Bionic chip and a 10.2-inch Retina display." This provides pilots with pre-loaded paperwork, maps, and an onboard performance tool for accurate aircraft monitoring," according to the company's news statement.

Indigo digitized EFB in 2020

Indigo claims that since implementing Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) on its ATR fleet in 2020, it has reduced the amount of paper in each ATR cockpit by 15kg. The business claims to have used this technology on about 450,000 flights.

Indigo claims that the new program gives pilots more freedom and control over their pre-flight preparations, training, and continual learning. With the 'NextGen EFB' iPads, the airline hopes to improve communication between pilots and the firm.

Apple iPad 9th Generation Features

The gadget features a 10.2-inch LED-backlit Retina display with IPS technology. It is powered by an A13 Bionic Chip and runs iPadOS 17. The Apple iPad 9th generation includes 64 GB of internal storage and is available in both Wi-Fi and cellular variants.

It has an 8 MP main camera at the back and a 12 MP front-facing camera for video calls and selfies. For those who are unaware, Apple discontinued the ninth-generation iPad following the Let Loose event in May of this year.