Look! Up in the sky! In that plane! It’s…a Surface 2!
Microsoft announced today that the FAA has authorized pilots to use the Surface 2 as an “Electronic Flight Bag” in the cockpit during all phases of flight, meaning that it’s now easier for airlines to provide their pilots with Surfaces for cockpit use.
Last year, Microsoft struck a deal with Delta to provide all of their pilots with Surface 2 units, and the rollout of those tablets is expected to finish by the end of this year. With today’s announcement, we could see other airlines following suit.
Tablets have become incredibly popular among pilots, with a number of airlines choosing to outfit their cabin crews with iPads. While the authorization means that Microsoft has a better way to break into that market, it looks like an uphill battle. A member of Delta’s pilots union told AppleInsider last year that the airline’s pilots fought hard to keep their iPads, rather than switch over to a Surface 2.
But that’s not stopping Microsoft, which is at the Singapore Airshow to promote the Surface 2.
