Avionics
Delta Will Distribute Microsoft Tablets to Pilots
Delta Air Lines plans to distribute 11,000 Microsoft Surface 2 tablets to its pilots and make all of its flight decks ‘paperless’ by the end of next year. (Photo: Microsoft)
Delta Air Lines plans to distribute 11,000 Microsoft Surface 2 tablets to its pilots and make all of its flight decks ‘paperless’ by the end of next year. (Photo: Microsoft)

Delta Air Lines plans to begin distributing Microsoft Surface 2 tablet computers to its Boeing 757 and 767 pilots beginning in January. Pilots will use the computing device as an electronic flight bag (EFB) to store electronic charts and documents, reducing weight and improving workflow on the flight deck, the airline said. Delta joins other U.S. carriers that have incorporated tablet computers in their flight decks. Delta is the first major airline to select Microsoft’s Surface 2; other carriers, including United, Alaska and American, have selected the Apple iPad. The Federal Aviation Administration authorized American Airlines pilots to use iPads in all phases of flight in December 2011, making American the first carrier to use tablets for the full flight envelope. In June, the carrier completed the distribution of 8,000 iPads to its pilots.