Interestingly Delta was supposedly testing iPads for use inflight instead of paper manuals back in 2011. [1]

I wonder why they are going with the Surface now?

The US Air Force [2] and American Airlines [3] are both using iPads. I'd be really interested in seeing why Delta decided to go with the Surface, unless it is something as simple as Microsoft is giving Delta a massive discount in exchange for the PR boost to try to catch up with the iPads adoption by other airlines and by the army.

[1] http://www.padgadget.com/2011/03/07/delta-air-lines-alaska-a...

[2] http://www.geekwire.com/2013/air-force-deploying-18000-ipads...

[3] http://www.dailytech.com/American+Airlines+Wins+FAA+Approval...

Edit: Another comment linked to an Apple Insider article which says that the Surface deal was "about money, travel contracts, and Delta's Information Technology staff historically being "in bed" with Microsoft."

http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/09/30/delta-pilots-fough...