The 5 key benefits of Flight Operations Software
10 May 2023
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Data collection and Analysis
As we move into 2023 and beyond, data is fast becoming the lifeblood of many global industries. With aviation being no exception, data-centric trends are fuelling a wide range of operational and strategic decisions that can make or break an airline’s success. By harnessing the power of data collection and analysis airlines can optimise their operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and soar above the competition.
Flight operation software acts as a data powerhouse, recording, processing, and storing information in a central database. This helps airlines to monitor and optimise everything from flight schedules and fuel consumption to maintenance schedules and crew management. In short, having quality data collection and analysis at their fingertips will allow airlines to streamline their operations and stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly digital world.
Enhanced Connectivity
Effective and timely communication is the backbone of any successful team, especially in the fast-paced world of airline flight operations. With so many departments working together simultaneously, efficient communication is essential.
Flight ops software connects these departments in real-time allowing data to flow seamlessly, saving time, and allowing all team members to access the critical data they need, precisely when they need it.
For example, flight schedulers can create a flight plan which is then sent to the dispatcher for approval. Schedulers create a flight plan to which dispatchers get instant access allowing them to monitor flights ahead of time. Once the flight is approved, the crew are scheduled and automatically updated on their schedule and duties and the necessary flight services are added. With all the data securely processed and stored, relevant parties can access the information needed with just a few clicks.
Safety & Compliance
For airlines, maintaining standards and adhering to regulations can be a challenge. It’s a difficult task that requires a significant amount of time and coordination across multiple departments, not to mention the added complexity for airlines with international operations. With so many moving parts, ensuring that safety and compliance standards are met is no small feat.
One of the main issues with paper-based systems is that valuable information and data are locked away in storage, making it difficult to analyse. This leads to laborious audits and makes carrying out analytical reports a painstaking process. Flight Ops software suites can offer a centralised and easily accessible database for all critical business information which streamline these processes. Thus, allowing you to identify errors and inefficiencies while highlighting trends in the data to build predictive systems and optimize many areas of your operations.
Another way the software can help with compliance is by keeping track of all checks and revalidations. Airlines can help their teams to keep track of all required certifications, training, and revalidations and notify them of any upcoming expiries to ensure that you stay compliant and avoid shortages.
Optimise for Efficiency
We’ve discussed how flight ops software can enhance efficiency through seamless communications and connectivity, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. The real power of these software suites is in their ability to analyse data and turn it into actionable insights. By creating a centralised database that can be easily searched, management can dive deep into the details and pinpoint precisely the issues affecting performance and profitability. With a clearer understanding of the issues at hand, leaders can make better-informed decisions to drive positive change.
The software can also be configured to automate and optimise processes within certain departments. Take sales for example, the software automatically pulls data from different departments to calculate variables such as distance, flight times, fuel usage, charges, and more to generate quotes that ensure profitability all in a matter of seconds.
Convenience
Repetitive, time-intensive tasks, like data entry and processing are streamlined, reducing the chance for human error and freeing up time for more important tasks.
With companion apps for crew schedules and documentation, your flight crew stay up to date on their schedules, hotel bookings, and leave requests, even when on the move. Dispatchers get an overview of the entire operational status, making it simple to manage airport slots, flight status, checklists, and arrival services while schedulers can visualise the entire fleet in real time allowing them to deduce free capacity and optimise planning.
From improving operational efficiency, ensuring compliance, and providing real-time data and analytics, the advantages of flight ops software are clear. By leveraging these tools, companies can streamline their operations, enhance decision-making, and ultimately provide better services to their customers. With the constantly evolving technological landscape, it is essential for aviation companies to embrace these solutions to stay competitive in an industry fast undergoing its own digital transformation.