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SunExpress is a Turkish airline based in Antalya which operates flights to various destinations in Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

SunExpress currently operates a fleet of 75 aircraft: Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A330.

Sezgin Yolcu, Flight Operations Engineer at SunExpress, shares with us his experience of using SkyBreathe® Fuel Efficiency to optimize fuel savings:

• Which were your goals and main issues when you chose SkyBreathe®?

When we chose SkyBreathe® at SunExpress, our main goal was to increase and optimize our fuel savings by implementing fuel efficiency software. In 2017, we assumed that we were saving 2% of our fuel consumption, and we expected to increase our fuel savings by 0.5% per year until reaching 4% of fuel savings in 2021.

To achieve this goal, we needed a fuel efficiency tool that showed trends and analysis to identify fuel savings opportunities. We wanted to move fast and implement it within three months.

• What made you choose SkyBreathe®?

The main criteria that made us choose SkyBreathe® to support our fuel efficiency efforts were:

• The possibility for pilots to have an individual debrief in MyFuelCoach mobile application on iOS and Android, with an unlimited number of pilots using the application.
• Having access to accurate fuel savings computation on every single flight
• Having access to a 3D map representation of each flight

Apart from the features criteria, the reasons we chose SkyBreathe® are the user-friendliness of the software and the Customer Support high availability and reactivity.

• How did the implementation of the project go?

Of course, our Fuel Efficiency team faced many challenges during the implementation phase of the project: data transfer automatization, FDR data usage policy, SkyBreathe® product test… However, with the help of OpenAirlines Project Team, we implemented SkyBreathe® in just four months, which was aligned with our Project Plan.

• Can you estimate the benefits that the solution brings to SunExpress?

First, I would like to explain the organizational structure of SunExpress in terms of Fuel Saving Campaign: our Flight Operations Management created a Fuel Efficiency Core Team (FECT) to handle the fuel-related topics companywide. Our FECT is composed of a pilot, two engineers, and an operational control center. On the other hand, we established a Fuel Efficiency Team (FET) with more members from different departments such as maintenance, ground operations, flight planning, and commercial.

The main benefit of using SkyBreathe® for our Fuel Efficiency Core Team (FECT) is that they can measure fuel savings and potential remaining. It also helps us improve communication with executive management: fuel savings are reported every quarter, giving our Management Team a chance to follow the financial progress.

I cannot disclose the exact numbers, but I can roughly say we are on track to reach our goal of reducing our fuel consumption by 4% before 2021.

• What features do you particularly enjoy?

What I enjoy the most about SkyBreathe® is its Query Editor, which is a flexible environment where I can create graphs, tables, and even new measures to run any kind of analysis that I want. I also really enjoy the 3D mapping view when I need to analyze flights visually.

• What advice would you give to airlines which want to set up a fuel efficiency program?

A well-prepared project plan is crucial to start an effective fuel saving campaign.

First, establish your fuel team, and then look for the fuel efficiency software which suits best your airline’s needs.

Indeed, without any view on your fuel savings achievement, you cannot calculate your potential and detect your weak areas to focus efforts on. Then you can start a communication program with your pilots.

Once you have implemented a fuel efficiency solution, you’ll also find additional fuel-saving potentials for maintenance, ground operations, flight planning, and commercial sides.

Then, it’s all about applying a continuous improvement cycle to the fuel-saving initiatives: Plan, Do, Check, Act, which is known as the PDCA cycle.

Finally, when considering implementing a fuel efficiency solution, I would advise airlines to anticipate data integration issues: FDR (Flight Data Record) data flow and conversion to the required format, AOC (Airline Operations Center) data, OFP (Operational Flight Plan) data, and others (ACARS, Weight & Balance, etc.)

• If you had to define SkyBreathe® in 3 words?

I would define SkyBreathe® with the following words:

• Innovative
• Customer-oriented
• Accurate Fuel Savings

Rusada unveils new Technical Publications module

Rusada, the global aviation software provider, has announced the newest module for its MRO & Flight Operations solution ENVISION.

Technical Publications can be used by aircraft operators and MRO’s to integrate their library of documents into ENVISION, thereby creating live, digital versions of these essential resources.

A key feature of the module is the digitization of OEM Manuals and Maintenance Programs, enabling the creation of a digital library of maintenance task cards. These task cards can be authored as users see fit, including the option to add custom validated fields and electronic sign-off. The information in these task cards is live, so when OEM’s release revisions of their documents, the relevant data can be instantly updated, without the need to manually re-create or edit existing task cards.

In addition to this, by linking Technical Publications to ENVISION’s Human Resources module, organisations can ensure that only users with the correct designations and approval stamps can sign-off maintenance activities, keeping them in compliance with aviation regulations.

Rusada predicts that this functionality could save countless hours of time and allow organisations to take the next step to a paperless MRO environment. As ENVISION is a web-based solution, Technical Publications can be used in the field on a tablet or smartphone.

Julian Stourton, CEO at Rusada said:

“Many people in the industry have been asking us for this functionality. They’ve had enough of trying to manage these vital activities with paper documents, static spreadsheets or low functionality software.

“I am therefore thrilled to be rolling out Technical Publications to the market. The functionality that we’ve developed will save our customers huge amounts of time and resource, while keeping them compliant.

“This is a fully developed and live solution that is ready to be implemented today.”

Seabury Solutions Signs New African Airline For Alkym Solution 

Company Continues to Grow Presence in Africa, Availing Precision Air of Its Market-Leading Solution to Enhance the Maintenance Management of the Carrier’s Expanding Fleet

NEW YORK – July 15, 2019 – Seabury Solutions, a subsidiary of New York-based Seabury Capital Group LLC and the market leader in the development of Information Technology solutions for the aviation industry, announced the addition of a new airline customer in Africa, Precision Air, for its market-leading solution to enhance the maintenance management of the carrier’s expanding fleet. 

The Tanzania-based airline, operating scheduled flights out of its main hub in Dar es Salaam, is the latest customer to join the ever-growing base of the company’s airline customers based on the African continent. Opting to deploy Seabury Solutions’ comprehensive maintenance solution, the carrier deemed Alkym as best suited to meet the requirements for managing the maintenance of its fleet.

“The quick implementation time along with the ability to customize Alkym as required by Precision Air were pivotal in the decision-making process, which led the African airline to select our solution,” said Seabury Solutions VP Sales & Marketing Carlos Bianchi. “As we continue to grow in Africa, we are delighted to welcome Precision Air as the latest customer, despite having faced some stiff competition from several other IT vendors.”

Precision Air opted for 17 out of 18 of the modules contained within Alkym, along with 20 concurrent users. The project is set to commence the second week of July, beginning with a two-week workshop to understand the entire requirements of the airline and map out the process.

“Currently, we are expanding into new markets, so we wanted to look for a solution that would help streamline our operational efficiencies, not increase costs when adding new aircraft, and could allow us to grow to become the most modern MRO provider in East Africa for regional aircraft maintenance. This ultimately led us to Seabury Solutions’ leading maintenance solution, Alkym,” commented Precision Air Maintenance & Engineering Manager Pablo Alves. “Seabury Solutions has proved that they truly understand the African market with their extensive list of African customers.”

Bijoy Mechery, Seabury Solutions Chief Executive Officer, concluded: “Having a global network of offices allows Seabury Solutions to respond to our customers in real time. Our development office in Nairobi, Kenya, is a hugely influential factor for African organizations when selecting an MRO IT provider. This enables our team to provide live support, when it’s required by the customer.”    

Mobile QuickClear application simplifies U.S. Customs and Border Protection processes for business and general aviation pilots

OSHKOSH, Wis., July 23, 2019 — Boeing [NYSE: BA] has introduced a new digital application, Jeppesen Mobile QuickClear. This application, created in partnership with Airside Mobile for encryption and data management services, simplifies the international clearance process with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for pilots.

“Mobile QuickClear helps pilots manage the entire customs process in one place,” said William Ampofo, vice president of Business & General Aviation, Boeing Global Services. “Improving their efficiency by enabling easier access to required clearance information.”

Working seamlessly with the popular Mobile Passport app, used already by more than seven million commercial passengers today, Mobile QuickClear securely collects passport information to relay it to the CBP agents via Mobile QuickClear for a seamless Advanced Passenger Information System manifest clearance process.  

The launch of Mobile QuickClear also expands the capability of the existing Mobile Passport app to now include passengers of private aircraft in addition to commercial airlines, and is expected to reduce clearance errors and related consequences such as fines or penalties on air travelers by up to 30%.

The development of Mobile QuickClear received support from strategic partners, including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), to obtain pilot perspectives and feedback. “Innovative applications like Mobile QuickClear are critical for the future of aviation,” said Mark Baker, president and CEO of AOPA. “Simplifying the international customs process will give more time back to pilots to focus on other tasks and enhance the flying experience.”

Mobile QuickClear will be available on Apple’s iOS app store later this month. Passengers will notice the Mobile QuickClear option on both iOS and Android in the Mobile Passport app, available today in the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

A live demonstration of the new Mobile QuickClear app is available in the Boeing booth at the 2019 EAA AirVenture airshow in Oshkosh.

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As the top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

Airside Mobile builds innovative digital identity products for businesses and consumers alike with privacy-by-design and leading edge security as its guiding principles. Among a suite of products, Airside’s award-winning Mobile Passport app is the first commercial product that expedites the customs entry process into the U.S. at nearly 30 major airports and cruise ports. In concert with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Airports Council International – North America, Boeing, and Airlines for America, Mobile Passport has facilitated over 12 million entries into the United States. Airside partners with private and public entities to create seamless experiences for their customers, employees, and stakeholders to balance data privacy, transparency, and convenience. Learn more at: www.airsidemobile.com.

10 JULY 2019

cloudcards, the Limerick based aviation technology company is excited to roll out a new feature to its AMS (Asset Management Software) product which will aim to reduce risk and improve efficiency for its aviation leasing customers worldwide.

Designed and developed by fellow Limerick firm ActionPoint and built on the Microsoft Azure platform, this new feature is focused on Maintenance Reserves claims which act as an insurance policy for aircraft lessors who need to include a reserve fund to protect against maintenance, repairs and other costs while an aircraft is being leased.

The Maintenance Reserve claims function is described by cloudcards CTO Barry Fitzgerald as  “a huge time-saving for our aircraft leasing customers who can now manage the full maintenance reserve function through our application from Engineering to Risk all the way through to Finance. Furthermore, this new system update has been delivered on-time and in-budget by the ActionPoint team.”

ActionPoint CTO John Savage said, “We have been delighted to support cloudcards during every step of their journey. Brian and Barry came to us with an ambitious vision in 2015 on what they wanted to achieve and watching each new feature enter production and to see the market respond positively is very rewarding for the greater team here at ActionPoint.”

In 2017, ActionPoint assisted cloudcards with the launch of AMS which helped the then fledgling startup to attract 1.5 million euros of private investment enabling the company to begin expansion into China and South Korea. The AMS system has enabled cloudcards to capitalise on the global Aircraft leasing industry which is expected to grow to $USD 62.2 billion by 2023.

On July 10, 2019
[Interview] Eric Meyer from Porter Airlines shares their fuel efficiency experience

Porter Airlines is a regional airline based at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, in Toronto, Canada.

Porter regularly operates flights between Canada and the USA using Canadian-built Bombardier (now Viking Air) Dash-8 Q400 turboprop aircraft.

Eric Meyer, Manager of Flight Technical at Porter Airlines, shares his experience using SkyBreathe® to support fuel efficiency efforts:

• Which were your goals and main issues when you chose SkyBreathe®?

Fuel is a very large component of airlines’ expenses. We already had some measures to track down our fuel initiatives, but we wanted to go further.

SkyBreathe® allows us to narrow it down to different phases of flights. The software helps us get a better picture of the overall performance and savings.

• What are the benefits that the solution brings to Porter Airlines so far?

In terms of the benefits, it helps us asking “why” about a lot of different things such as how we run our airline, how we use the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), how we do our approaches… It is constantly evolving: we already have achieved solid benefits, but through asking why we keep finding new opportunities to be more efficient.

• What features do you particularly enjoy?

I particularly enjoy the fact that we can run analysis through many criteria such as timeframe or airports. I also like the fact that I can track my flight since I am a pilot as well. The software helps analyze flight, for example by observing the difference we have during the four seasons in Canada, or by identifying the challenges we could have at specific airports. I can drill down on why things are the way they are.

• What advice would you give to airlines which want to set up a fuel efficiency program?

I supposed it’s about managing expectations: understanding that on the first day you don’t have all the information you need. It does take a little bit of time to find opportunities.

As a result, it’s a gradual process that will pay-off. You will be able to adjust the procedures and techniques that pilots and operations use to better manage fuel and carbon emissions.

• If you had to define SkyBreathe® in 3 words?
  • Detailed
  • Always Evolving
  • Opportunities

cloudcards’ latest system update will drive further efficiency and profitability opportunities for aviation-leasing customers

cloudcards, the Limerick based aviation technology company is excited to roll out a new feature to its AMS (Asset Management Software) product which will aim to reduce risk and improve efficiency for its aviation leasing customers worldwide.

Designed and developed by fellow Limerick firm ActionPoint, this new feature is focused on Maintenance Reserves claims which act as an insurance policy for aircraft lessors who need to include a reserve fund to protect against maintenance, repairs and other costs while an aircraft is being leased.

The Maintenance Reserve claims function is described by cloudcards CTO Barry Fitzgerald as “a huge time-saving for our aircraft leasing customers who can now manage the full maintenance reserve function through our application from Engineering to Risk all the way through to Finance. Furthermore, this new system update has been delivered on-time and in-budget by the ActionPoint team.”

ActionPoint CTO John Savage said, “We have been delighted to support cloudcards during every step of their journey. Brian and Barry came to us with an ambitious vision in 2015 on what they wanted to achieve and watching each new feature enter production and to see the market respond positively is very rewarding for the greater team here at ActionPoint.”

In 2017, ActionPoint assisted cloudcards with the launch of AMS which helped the then fledgling startup to attract 1.5 million euros of private investment enabling the company to begin expansion into China and South Korea. The AMS system has enabled cloudcards to take on the global Aircraft leasing industry which is expected to grow to $USD 62.2 billion by 2023.

ADSoftware issues mobile applications to complement its award-winning Maintenance Information System “Airpack”

Mobility has become a common aspect of our daily lives. The benefits of mobile solutions to support maintenance and supply chain operations is obvious and ADSoftware is now offering a logbook application and a mechanic-oriented application to unlock this value.

eLOG is the electronic logbook solution. It’s been used by pilots at one of ADSoftware’s largest customer (80 A/C). One of the strengths of the solution is that it is fully integrated with the existing desktop CAMO/MRO applications, making every flight input and technical complaint easier. All the flight times are reviewed and signed off by each pilot before being transferred to the database directly from the mobile device, hence eliminating the need for paper-based communication.

The app also allows to fill in complaints that will then be reviewed by maintenance and lead to maintenance tasks. Digitalizing this workflow saves time, paper and reduces mistakes and omissions. The application is interfaced with pilots and mechanics qualifications database giving an added layer of safety to the operator.

eWORK is the application that mechanics can use to collect work orders that have been assigned to them. They will see their tasks and they can access the relevant documentation. If they need material or tooling, they can place their request on the app. The time they spend to perform their work is monitored and uploaded in the database. This allows to have a comprehensive view of the costs of an action and makes it easy to invoice customers (or to perform financial analysis of production processes).

These two applications are part of ADSoftware’s strategy to digitalize every aspect of maintenance and supply chain operations. eLOG is a step towards flight operations that will be followed by other developments in the near future.

For the last 20 years, ADSoftware has developed and delivered efficient solutions based on customer feedback. Each additional module covers an additional aspect of airlines and MRO operations with a user-friendly and state-of-the-art solution.

We would like to invite everyone to come check these new apps and more at our booth during the Paris Airshow (Booth 168, Alley G, Hall 4)!

Erickson Incorporated selects Ramco for ERP Transformation Project

Leading aviation services provider will modernize global air operations, manufacturing, and MRO services

Portland, U.S.A. / New Jersey, U.S.A – July 02, 2019 – Erickson Incorporated, has selected Ramco Systems to implement its Aviation M&E MRO Solution V5.8. Erickson’s advanced enterprise solutions integration will link all Maintenance, Supply Chain Management, Safety & Quality, Flight Operations, MRO Sales, and Manufacturing functions into a single system. Modules will include EFB (electronic flight bag), Mobility, Optimization Solution, Hubs, Dashboards and Chatbot.

Erickson, a key American aerospace manufacturer and global aviation service provider, will utilize V5.8 to connect over 700+ users across three business units – Commercial Aviation Services, Defense and National Security as well as Manufacturing and MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) on a global basis. Offline mobile capability will enable Erickson users to carry out operations in remote locations without internet connectivity. The system will also provide scalability as well as the flexibility to manage multiple organization units and provide visibility across business operations.

“Ramco’s deep domain expertise and integrated suite of aerial operations, manufacturing, and MRO systems are a great match for our needs at Erickson,” said Doug Kitani, CEO, Erickson Incorporated. “Ramco will provide us an automated technology environment, enabling real time visibility and management of the many complex facets of our company.”

“Partnership with Erickson signals trust from yet another leader in the aviation community,” said Virender Aggarwal, CEO, Ramco Systems. “Ramco’s Aviation Suite strives to always offer innovative solutions to our clients. Our ability to address the complete breadth of Heli, MRO & Defense software needs with ERP Finance and HR on a single platform has been a key differentiator. We are looking forward to working with Erickson as they embrace digital technologies to address business challenges and increase process efficiencies.”

Ramco Aviation Software is trusted by 22,000+ users to manage 4,000+ aircraft globally. Accessible on cloud and mobile, Ramco Aviation Software continues to innovate with ‘Anywhere Apps’, significantly reducing transaction time both during aircraft-on-ground (AOG) conditions and critical aircraft turnarounds. Ramco is changing the paradigm of enterprise software with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning based solutions, powered by cool new features such as voice-based transactions on Google Assistant or Alexa, chatbots, mail bots, HUBs and cognitive solutions. With 75+ Aviation leaders onboard, Ramco is the solution of choice for several large airlines and top heli-operators and multiple MROs around the world.

Dr. Thomas Wittmann completes dual management set-up at Lufthansa Systems

Raunheim, July 1, 2019 – Lufthansa Systems today announced that Dr. Thomas Wittmann will take over as one of two CEOs of Lufthansa Systems as of July 1. In this role he will be responsible for all production and technology issues in the company and the close collaboration with the IT organization of the Lufthansa Group. He will lead the company together with CEO Olivier Krueger, who has held his CEO position since 2015.

Dr. Wittmann began his career in the Lufthansa Group in 1995 at Lufthansa Systems after earning a doctorate in physics. In his more than 20 years with the aviation group, he has held various IT management positions in Commercial Solutions and Operations Solutions as well as in technical domains. He has also overseen major IT transformations as a project manager, including the implementation of a modern passenger service system.

“I am delighted to have Dr. Thomas Wittmann by my side as an experienced and competent fellow CEO with an excellent understanding of both the aviation industry and current digitalization issues,” said Olivier Krueger, CEO of Lufthansa Systems.

Dr. Wittmann is succeeding Stefan Auerbach, who took on a new position at Eurowings on May 1.

(Copyright: Jürgen Mai): Dr. Thomas Wittmann completes the dual management set-up at Lufthansa Systems.