The aviation industry has been at the verge of digital transformation since the beginning of the digital revolution around a quarter-century ago.
Companies all over the world are coming to the realization that, in addition to embracing digital transformation, the key to realizing the full potential of the aviation sector is to stay ahead of the curve by creating ground-breaking solutions based on novel forms of cutting-edge digital technology.
Airlines, airports, and other industry players can now function in ways that weren’t feasible just a few years ago thanks to technological advances. Conventional business aviation ownership models have changed to include crowdsourced solutions, private airlines, membership schemes, and real-time on-demand charters.
These new models are targeted not only to the wealthy 1% but also the upper middle class. These new models need a lot of staff and time for continuous and effective management. In the business aviation sector, digitization can streamline processes, boost effectiveness, and encourage the creation of new services.
Critical Digitalization in aviation:
- Supply chain management and service order flow optimization.
- Rapid and secure data processing, with simple subsequent integration.
- Improvement of airline business operations.
- Ensuring data privacy.
- Improving customer satisfaction.
- Significant increase in marketing opportunities.
Digitalization also addresses two major issues in private aviation: high maintenance costs and a lack of automation. Without the aid of technology, neither of these issues can be resolved.
As a result, a significant shift to digital technology is critical for improving sector efficiency, lowering operating costs, and increasing customer engagement through personalized services, enhancing their experience, and improving the service quality.
In fact, getting ahead of the game by developing innovative solutions based on new forms of digital technology is the key to unlocking the full potential of the aviation sector, not just digital transformation.
Companies can exceed customer expectations and generate more revenue as technology advances. Overall, it improves the efficiency and accessibility of private aviation for end users.
What Impact Does Digitalization Have on Airline Safety?
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Manufacturers
Manufacturing is where airline safety starts, and digitization is changing the way manufacturers work. With today’s technology, businesses can digitally test components and machinery using a digital twin that mimics the real thing in terms of appearance, behavior, and response.
This ground-breaking digital development improves safety and performance before parts and equipment leave the factory.
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Airlines
The digitalization of airlines can also improve plane and flight safety. More efficient maintenance tracking and scheduling processes reduce the likelihood of critical issues leading to emergency situations. Through real-time updates and alerts, in-flight data sharing and communication may improve passenger and crew safety.
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Cockpit Crews
Cockpit crews, who frequently rely on communications from other pilots for changes in weather conditions, can now receive digital updates that help them avoid hazardous flight conditions and plan alternate routes when necessary.
Process optimization is a result of digitalization:
Most airports and airlines around the world provide digital services to passengers, and all of them can be “connected” once they enter the departure lobby. Progress in this area has been made at a rapid pace, and the emergence of AI (artificial intelligence) will accelerate this trend.
Nonetheless, using technology and software to manage ground handling operations is not as common as those used for the traveller experience. Using pen and paper is still a common practise among aviation professionals practices.
Disruption and change are frequently implemented without much enthusiasm, and incorporating new things like software into processes takes time because it affects a large number of people, from the ground handler to the airport manager, but also the service providers.
In comparison to other industries, the aviation industry has been slow to adopt technology; however, digitalization can result in significant benefits at multiple levels.
Airliners and airports can improve the efficiency of their operations management by increasing employee productivity, lowering costs by saving time and money both on and off the ground, and thus improving the customer experience by digitizing their processes.