Jetstar is to become the first airline to offer passengers iPads for inflight entertainment.

The Australian low-cost carrier will rent the devices for AUD10 (€6.85) per flight on domestic services from later this month, and aims to expand the service to international routes later this year.

Passengers will be able to watch preloaded films, TV programmes, read e-books, as well as listen to music or play games on.

However, internet access will be disabled in line with Jetstar’s in-flight regulations.

“Given the demand for the iPad so far, I anticipate it will have strong appeal amongst our passengers,” said Jetstar chief Bruce Buchanan.

“Based on demand for the iPads as part of the trial, we’ll be looking to roll out the devices across our entire domestic and international network later in the year.”

Jetstar claims it is the first airline to make the iPad available for passengers, although several hotel chains already provide them to guests.

InterContinental was one of the first out the block, with its concierges offering them soon after the US launch. Among many others, the Westin New York, Hilton San Diego and Hotel Indigo San Diego and Ritz-Carlton Chicago are now offering guests similar services.