United Is Giving 6,000 Airport Employees iPhones to Improve Customer Service

United Airlines announced yesterday that it would be providing Apple iPhone 6 Plus smartphones to employees at its major hubs in the U.S.

United’s relationship with Apple mobile products goes back to 2011, when it equipped pilots with iPads. It also gave flight attendants the larger iPhones beginning last December.

“We have seen great success with the custom-made tools on the iPhone 6 Plus and believe expanding the use of a smart phone device with other applications is a great investment in our employees,” Jon Roitman, United’s senior vice president of airport operations, said in a statement.

United plans to use the phones to provide additional service to passengers prior to departure, including boarding pass and baggage tag printing, as well as rebooking. The airline also plans to increase capabilities to the point where employees will be able to offer all the same services traditionally offered at a checkin desk.