Toshiba Tablets take to the skies

MEDIA RELEASE
Toshiba Tablets take to the skies
Air NZ uses Tablets in cockpits on long-haul 777 fights

Auckland, 29 March 2006: The New Zealand office of Toshiba (Australia) Pty. Limited Information Systems Division (ISD) today announced that Air New Zealand has implemented Toshiba Tablet PC technology for use onboard the flight deck of their new B777 aircraft during long haul flights.

The Tablets are to be used by a third pilot on board each craft to monitor fight plans and procedures within the cockpit.

Each of the eight new planes in the 777 fleet has two pilot crew stations with in-built computers and technology for pilots to use during flight. The addition of the Toshiba Tablet PCs allows a third pilot to effectively monitor flight progress and performance independently from their crew seat.

Ten Toshiba Tablet Portégé M200 notebooks have recently been implemented within the aircraft, following the RTCA DO-160E certification to enable operation in the cockpit (above 10,000 feet). Eight will be used on board the planes with two hot spares in the pool, one to be held in Los Angeles and one in New Zealand.

Callum Eade, New Zealand Country Manager for Toshiba ISD, said he was excited to see Toshiba Tablets being used by Air New Zealand for this type of application. “Tablets are a very versatile tool and perfectly suited to this environment where space is at a premium. Already the Life Flight Trust, (operators of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter in Wellington) and the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Foundation use Toshiba Tablets and Moving Map software. They have proven their reliability, have excellent screen visibility under various lighting condition and good battery life. They can also power directly from the aircraft’s power bus.”

Toshiba Tablet PCs are a sophisticated blend of powerful Notebook computing packaged with a compact Tablet form. Convertible Tablet PCs transform with traditional screen and keyboard configuration into a completely flat Tablet with the twist of the display screen. They also have an intuitive interface that allows users to be productive anywhere, anytime.

Toshiba now has the widest range available from any manufacturer. These fourth generation devices are designed to optimise both fleet and personal productivity. They are scalable, flexible and future-proof (they’re 3G ready) and they include ease-of-management features and offer optional docking solutions.

ENDS