Lithuanian carrier Small Planet Airlines plans to start offering Apple iPads as portable in-flight entertainment at the end of the year.

The iPads will offer "a wide choice of games, movies and other entertainment", says Small Planet Airlines, which recently changed its name from FlyLAL Charters.

It does not say from whom the carrier will source the devices.

Offering iPads to passengers is just one of the ways in which Small Planet is trying to rebrand and improve its image.

The airline's current Boeing 737 Classic family aircraft "will be gradually replaced with Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft, more modern and capable of flying longer distances", says Small Planet. "The first two Boeing 737NG aircraft will arrive in summer 2011," it adds.

New seats from UK manufacturer Acro Aircraft Seating will also be offered at the beginning of 2011.

Small Planet provides full charter, ACMI and ad-hoc solutions to tour operators and airlines.

"Charter airlines are not exactly famous for great passenger service. After all, their services are commoditized and bought on lowest price and passenger services are kept to a bare minimum. We see an opportunity here. Having a strong experience in the charter business, we aim to become the Europe's leading independent charter airline," says Small Planet chief executive Vytautas Kaikaris.

"We are passionate about passenger service and will work to make holidays started right after travellers get aboard of our aircraft."

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news