2018 was a big year for Aviation. The previous year was the safest in commercial airline history, and technological advancements are looking to make the industry even safer, smoother and more efficient. Both front-end and back-end services being constantly measured, appraised and reformed, there have been huge strides in efficiency in the last year.
How Aviation Is Going To Change:
1. A Focus on Customer Experience
The customer should be at the forefront of any service, and Aviation is no exception. Aviation customer experience extends across researching, planning, airport experience and more. Data is driving the process behind refining the customer experience, increasing revenue and improving customer loyalty. Easyjet has even hired their first data officer to analyze how to optimize their service through metrics. Happier customers are more likely to remain loyal, and data allows companies to accurately measure how their experience converts into flights.
2. Airline Apps
Apps have been a key component of modern business for years now, with many commercial airlines making the move into the digital market beyond websites. Since 98% of airline passengers carry at least one device, airline apps are the next logical step for smart brands. With reward schemes, online check in and e-tickets, airline apps aim to streamline the flight process. Airline apps are a great way to retain business and help passengers to have a more enjoyable, stress-free experience.
3. Drones Will Increase Inspection Efficiency
It takes around six hours to inspect a commercial aircraft. Drones can boost aircraft inspection accuracy while reducing the time of a full inspection down to around two hours. This could lead to huge gains for an airline operating drone inspectors, alongside the obvious benefits of more detailed and accurate reports. Whilst the drones would need to be piloted, advanced visual systems could alert maintenance crews automatically, thanks to…
4. AI in Aviation
AI and deep learning are impacting every industry, no matter how small. For one as large as Aviation, there is a wealth of data for AI systems to pour over. More and more airlines are investing in AI to better understand both the technical elements of flights, maintenance, and repair, as well as to anticipate the needs of their customer base.
As AI improves, and has more data to analyze and learn from, the Aviation industry can expect further developments refined and implemented by machines rather than aircraft engineers and aircraft technicians.
5. Digital Twins
A new method called ‘Digital Twins’ creates a virtual replica of the plane or asset, and allows for it to be compared to the real one. By monitoring the digital twin, Aviation organisations can monitor asset health as well as receive early warnings, predictions, and even formulate a plan of action by simulating ‘what-if’ scenarios – based on weather, performance, operations and other variables – to help keep aircraft equipment in service for longer. Aviation companies that invest in digital twins will see a 30% improvement in cycle times of critical processes, including maintenance.
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