Forget inflight, let's go tech-flight as more airlines introduce new technology and new tools to keep us occupied in the air.

iPads on Jetstar.

Australia's low cost airline, Jetstar, is riding on the iPad fever, with a trial of Apple's newest gadget for onboard entertainment.

Jetstar will be one of the first airlines in the world to trial iPads (pictured left), beginning later this month on selected domestic routes across Australia.

This sleek gadget will provide in-flight entertainment with movies, TV programmes, e-books, music videos, games and CDs. Jetstar passengers pay just A$10 (US$8.30) to rent the iPad on board.

Jetstar Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Buchanan, anticipates strong appeal among the airline's passengers. "We are really excited to commence the trial of the iPads, as we're always looking for ways to enhance our customer's Jetstar experience,"

Based on the demand for iPads during the trial, the airline will consider rolling out the devices across its entire domestic and international network later in the year.

Jetstar is working with in-flight entertainment specialist Bluebox Avionics and Stellar Inflight to implement the trial.

Text, email and fly on NZ Air

Air New Zealand may not have the iPad on board, but the airline has plans to allow some passengers send and receive text messages and emails November, but no phone calls will be allowed.

Passengers may be able to use this service via their iPhones, Blackberries and GSM mobiles on Air New Zealand's new 777-300 aircrafts in mid-flight (cruise stage of flight).They, however, have to keep their phones on "silent" mode when using this service.

With this mobile text and data service passengers with laptops will also be able to access the Internet with their mobile broadband.

Passengers will be billed by their own mobile service, like any other global roaming plan, but standard in-flight roaming costs will apply.

Air New Zealand is implementing the service based on customers' feedback. It does not have any plans to enable voice calls onboard based on the same feedback.

But talk is a go on Malaysia Airlines

In an earlier post, "Hello ma! I am cruising at 10,000 feet", The Wrap revealed that Malaysia Airlines will be offering voice calls, SMS, emails and GPRS services, to enhance passengers' travel experience while enabling them to keep in touch with loved ones while airborne.

The service is available to Maxis post-paid customers on board the Boeing 777-200 aircraft across Europe, Australia and the Asian region including China and Japan.

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www.thetransitcafe.com/site/the_wrap/archives/2010/04/hello_ma_i_am_c_1.php

Yeoh Siew Hoon, one of Asia's most respected travel editors and commentators, writes a regular column on news, trends and issues in the hospitality industry for 4Hoteliers.com.

Siew Hoon, who has covered the tourism industry in Asia/Pacific for the past 20 years, runs SHY Ventures Pte Ltd. Her other writings can be found at thetransitcafe.com. Get your weekly cuppa of news, gossip, humour and opinion at the cafe for travel insiders.

WIT 2010: October 19-22 SUNTEC Singapore ~ www.webintravel.com