iPads replace TVs- A smart move towards more fuel economy

Fuel is a major concern for any airline since it accounts for roughly 40 percent of the operational costs. For this reason, airlines strive to adopt an operational methodology which is as fuel efficient as possible. Being fuel efficient makes it possible for the airlines to meet the demand of cheapest air tickets from the customers. Reducing the weight of the aircraft, either by using light weight but robust materials in its manufacture or by careful selection of the in-flight fitments, airlines strive to achieve maximum fuel economy.  A recent smart move by one of the budget airline to make use of the iPads instead of the LCD or LED TV screens is further aimed at reducing the weight of in-flight fitments for more economical operations by saving more fuel. Interestingly, the airline was able to cut the weight of aircraft by about 7 percent even after adding 40 percent more seating capacity. 

The use of iPads, which would be loaded with the music, videos, games and other multimedia products, will help airlines in two specific ways. While it will help improve the fuel economy since total weight of TVs amounting to tons of kilograms would be shed, it is also going to help the airlines raise crucial add-on revenue by way of charging a fee for its usage. So, while the flight tickets would be cheaper, it will also rake in more revenue for airline. Since iPads are quite popular among the people, these are likely to see good demand in the flight as an entertainment device.

With increasing aviation fuel prices, it is becoming increasingly incumbent upon the airlines to devise innovative measures of achieving operational efficiency. With demand for cheap international flights also increasing and many low-cost carriers seeking entry into new markets using their USP of providing low cost international flights, smart moves like the one of replacing the TVs with iPads would save more fuel, enable operation of longer haul flights and generate more revenues.