Doubt it. How long would an iPad last if it were left on the aircraft? No one sees a use for a NavAero t-whatever, but you can bet they would with an iPad or other tablet. And worse there would be no one to blame for the loss. Sure you could put something in the FOM placing responsibility on the Capt or crew(side note: other airlines have language in their contracts explicitly preventing this), but how can prove that the crew had actual control of the device when it went missing? The dollars would likely add up quickly on that one.

Plus while it's the backup for the efb, it's likely to be much more than that ultimately. It's likely to be where your flight manuals reside and where they're updated-probably only on company property. No more paying Gate Gourmet to bring out the latest pubs-no guarantee that there will be wifi wherever your plane is parked to update the iPad if it's part of the airplane. The iPad will also likely replace the PAT's for performance. Also they're talking about removing the computers in the AOC when they're done with the remodel, so where do people think we're going to be getting our paperwork, FCIF's, emails, etc? Distance learning presentations, CBT's and LMS done on your iPad? Tripmanager app in the future instead of Global? Use the camera to scan your receipts directly into focus? Weather app instead of Winds? FMS trainer app if you're going through transition?

I'm sure there are a ton of other possibilities, but once it gets going there are a lot of things it will be used for that will save $$$, but will absolutely require the iPad to be a required item for each pilot.