Delta to deploy 4,500 iPads at US airport restaurants
updated 06:47 pm EDT, Wed August 29, 2012
Arrangement allows ordering, limited travel, entertainment functions
Delta Air Lines is deploying 250 iPads at restaurants in Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, according to an announcement. Travelers can find the hardware at Concourse G's MinniBar, Mimosa, and Shoyu. The rollout follows one at New York's LaGuardia Airport, and is part of a plan that will eventually see Delta using over 4,500 iPads at three airport hubs within the next year.
The iPads are being rolled out in partnership with OTG, a company specializing in airport food and beverage services. At the Minneapolis and LaGuardia restaurants, the iPads are mainly meant for ordering meals, which are promised fresh and served within 15 minutes. A browser lets diners check Twitter, Facebook, and email, and the tablets are also equipped to show flight status, watch news video, and play games. For security's sake personal data is said to be removed after the Home button is pressed or an iPad has been left alone for two minutes.
Delta and OTG say they will have over 2,500 iPads ready for restaurants and gatehouse areas at Minneapolis-St. Paul by the end of 2013. At LaGuardia, the iPads are located in Terminals C and D.
