Jetstar spokesperson said the program had received “positive feedback”. Image: applegoss.com

The low-cost carrier has denied its pilots are “flying into a rage” after launching the iPad program, which requires pilots to purchase their own iPad before receiving reimbursement.

Last week, the Australian and International Pilots Association reportedly issued a letter to Jetstar claiming its members felt “financially burdened” and “forced” to buy the iPad, which would be used to store manuals and maps, the Herald Sun reported.

However, a Jetstar spokesperson told e-Travel Blackboard the program had received “positive feedback”, as it would provide pilots with a $600 subsidy to buy the iPad that meets the minimum specifications to run Jetstar’s operations applications.

According to the airline, $500 would be automatically reimbursed once the suitable device is registered in Jetstar’s IT system and the rest upon submitting a copy of the receipt.

“Pilots aren’t out of pocket from this program,” the spokesperson said.  

“The feedback we’ve had from Jetstar pilots is they really like the program, because it gives them a work-sponsored iPad that they can use at home as well.”