Charging an iPad 2 with the MBA

I am wondering if it is possible to charge to the iPad through the USB's on a MacBook Air.

I just ordered my first Mac so I've had no past experiences, but with previous Windows PC's (laptops), many couldn't as not enough power is passing through the USB sockets.
But there was software which could be installed on Windows PC's to allow it charge through any USB socket.

So would a MBA charge an iPad and if not, is there any third party software to allow it?

Thanks