QF announce rollout of Q streaming on all 767's

[chrisb]

True, but the release specifically mentioned the domestic routes first which seems odd considering a few hours in a tube isn't as bad as the amount to HNL without decent IFE. I think that was the point being made at least




The 767 runs SYD-PER multiple times a day. This is a 5 hour 10min flight, so probably two full movies on the iPad.

 

[mannej]

True, but the release specifically mentioned the domestic routes first which seems odd considering a few hours in a tube isn't as bad as the amount to HNL without decent IFE. I think that was the point being made at least




The 4 or so International 767's still do domestic duties as well.

 

[BobbyFlyer]

The 767 runs SYD-PER multiple times a day. This is a 5 hour 10min flight, so probably two full movies on the iPad.

SYD-HNL is 9 hrs 45 mins, which i'm on in mid-Sept with the family. Was hoping that iPad's would be on it then so at least can keep kids amused, but see that they're slating it for Q4 rollout which means that i'll probably miss out. I would've hoped that they did the international routes first and then the domestic.

 

[chrisb]

SYD-HNL is 9 hrs 45 mins, which i'm on in mid-Sept with the family. Was hoping that iPad's would be on it then so at least can keep kids amused, but see that they're slating it for Q4 rollout which means that i'll probably miss out. I would've hoped that they did the international routes first and then the domestic.

Given the 10 hour quoted battery life they're going to be stretching these to the limit on that flight.

Good luck getting one. I'm also on a shorter 767 flight Mel-per in early September and will be hoping for good luck. I never managed to get the original trial aircraft.

 

[nlagalle]

This is good news albeit odd to put them on the 767s, IFE of the future I believe

Why odd? The 767's will be around for another few years so it'll pay for itself. I'm sure that when the AC is retired it could be uplifted into another plane to reuse.

 

[chrisb]

If my maths are right, this plus the pilots iPad purchase means apple will be supplying about 8000 iPads. Someone at apple would be happy with that.

 

[samh004]

If my maths are right, this plus the pilots iPad purchase means apple will be supplying about 8000 iPads. Someone at apple would be happy with that.

That’s what I don’t really understand, I think free iPad’s in Business and perhaps spares for economy, but a whole plane full of iPad’s at Qantas’ expense seems silly. The idea of releasing an app makes much more sense, but of course the release doesn’t make mention of exactly what’s happening other than Q Streaming being available in some way.

So I would personally hope it’s available in an app and they’re not stupidly buying 8000 iPad’s!

 

[Danger]

It's unclear to me whether Qantas is supplying the iPads or if passengers will use their own and link in to on-board wifi.

Regardless, I haven't seen any mention of costs to the passenger. I assume that even though you're using the on-board wifi you're still going to have to pay for the privillege.

Or does this special app they're talking about only allow you to watch certain content?

 

[chrisb]

iPads would be cheaper than fitting out an entire aircraft with inseat video and all of the cabling to support it. You can create trolleys that the iPads slide into and can take power from on the ground to easily charge them before being wheeled into the aircraft.

The SMH article states QF will supply the iPads. It also says they're lighter than the existing IFE systems which, given their age, may well be true.

 

[SeatBackForward]

iPads would be cheaper than fitting out an entire aircraft with inseat video and all of the cabling to support it. You can create trolleys that the iPads slide into and can take power from on the ground to easily charge them before being wheeled into the aircraft.

The SMH article states QF will supply the iPads. It also says they're lighter than the existing IFE systems which, given their age, may well be true.

iPad 3 weight = 650grams x 300 say = 195kgs. Equivalent to maybe three extra people?

 

[Paddy55]

Sounds great although probably signals 767s will be around a few more years+.

Now, about those seats and cabin decor...

 

[flyingfan]

Yes sorry, I should just have faith without question, so many other elegant things in the world operate on such principlea, why not apply it to this too. So here goes: No doubt this isj ust one more in the series of great enhancements they are rolling out..??..?

It's a bit hard to disagree with some of your logic - from what I can tell the workload will increase by quite a bit for FAs and I'd have to guess they're the losers with this, having to distribute, maintain and collect all the iPads in addition to their normal service. They'd certainly be stretched on a meal service on the shorter, more rushed sectors.

It will be interesting to see how it's implemented. I hope it's a success all around.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Just to throw the cat into the bag...if its a "bring your own device" delivery, then they can't ask us to use flight mode on these devices as most switch off wifi in flight mode!

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using AustFreqFly

 

[SeatBackForward]

It's a bit hard to disagree with some of your logic - from what I can tell the workload will increase by quite a bit for FAs and I'd have to guess they're the losers with this, having to distribute, maintain and collect all the iPads in addition to their normal service. They'd certainly be stretched on a meal service on the shorter, more rushed sectors.

It will be interesting to see how it's implemented. I hope it's a success all around.

I hope for a success too, QF need wins right about now. But I just can't see how practical handing them out to all passengers is. I'm sure the FAs don't want, to be on patrol making sure no ones abusing the wizz bang technology.


Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using AustFreqFly

 

[whatmeworry]

iPad 3 weight = 650grams x 300 say = 195kgs. Equivalent to maybe three extra people?

Using lightweight tablet computers allows airlines to greatly reduce the weight of their aircraft, through the removal of existing inflight entertainment systems that can weigh more than two tonnes.
The reduced weight allows airlines to make huge savings on their biggest expense - fuel.

So it looks like someone did the sums at QF and worked out the cost of the ipads v IFE and factoring the weight saving of over 1.7 tonnes by using ipads instead of IFE that they would make a massive saving in fuel.

My only concern with the use of using ipads would be battery life and how to power them if the battery was low. Also would they come with some type of station so you wouldn't have to hold the tablet for an extended period.

 

[seanpodge]

Still probably cheaper than the cost of installing IFE on the 767's considering their remaining life

A lot easier and cheaper to transfer to new aircraft too, I dare suggest.

 

[pshepvic]

Yes I think making people bring their own devices is a *better* solution. No having to look after the devices, no handing out and collecting. Although it will up the amount of checking they need to do before take-off and landing (slightly), but may lead to better 'policing" of the rules..No doubt if they went with the above, there would be the opportunity to "hire" a device for flights.

Obviously someone has done the maths and figured out the cost of buying, modifying and maintaing X Thousands of iPads is less expensive than upgrading IFE systems.

Ironically in the thread about Virgin bringing in streaming for everyone to use on their own mobile device (not limited to iPads by the way) people were complaining about it saying that it's not a good proposal and how can everyone be expected to bring their own device!

 

[Simo]

IMHO QF will have supply the ipads.

I have one but there is 3 of us.

I don't want to have to go and buy another 2 ipads just so everyone has entertainment.

But I can tell you know Little Miss Simo will get my ipad for the flight if that was the policy as I want a peaceful flight.

They will also need in flight charging as some people use there I pad for work all day and then have to do a 5 hour flight from the west to the east coast.

 

[richie9x]

Given the 10 hour quoted battery life they're going to be stretching these to the limit on that flight.

But given they won't be on at take off and landing then 10 hours of use should be enough for SYD-HNL with a bit of leeway.

Be interesting to see how well they last over time. They will have a pretty hard life compared to other ipads. I wonder what sort of length of life Qantas were hoping to get out of them- 2 years? 3 years? or until the 767s are sold? No doubt some ipads will have to be replaced early due to significant damage such as cracked screens.

 

[SeatBackForward]

I'm interested in hearing about how they will physically hand them out to passengers
a) at the terminal / gate?
b) onboard after take-off like how they distribute meals?
c) upon request?

With all the above, i'm even more interested in seeing how & where they'll be storing all these. I assume some sort of docking/recharding facility for them in some sort of trolley device.