Microsoft has been proactively expanding the reach of its Surface products and today we learn that 7,500 SkyWest, Inc. pilots will get Surface tablets of their own. Microsoft has already made deals with several other airlines and businesses. Some more notable partnerships include Brussels Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and even Emirates, as well as the NFL that uses the Surface Pro 3 to help coaches and players on the field during games. Now, Microsoft has landed a deal with SkyWest, Inc., and the airline will start using Microsoft’s Surface 3 immediately.
Today we are excited to share two airlines have joined the Surface family. SkyWest, Inc. is currently deploying Surface 3 running Windows 10 Professional to 7,500 pilots at its ExpressJet Airlines and SkyWest Airlines subsidiaries.”
SkyWest is currently transitioning away from using analog media (paper) to supplying its employees with digital versions of their navigational charts, reference manuals, and other flight kit materials. This will allow pilots to travel with a single, light-weight device fully secured through Microsoft and Windows 10.
Windows 10 on Surface 3 provides the security and management we need in a highly regulated environment. We made the decision early to use Windows 10 and deploy it immediately. Today, it is the most secure platform from Microsoft, and we didn’t see a need to wait.”
It appears Microsoft’s Surface products are becoming the tablets of choice with many major airlines. It will be interesting to see what other companies adopt members of the Surface family.
