Business Intelligence (BI) tools enable aviation stakeholders to optimise operations, enhance passenger experiences, improve safety, and contribute to sustainability. That’s why 78% of the world’s airlines are expected to have trialled it by 2024.
BI tools use a range of techniques for extracting insights from big data, including Machine Learning, data mining, predictive modelling, and Natural Language Processing (NLP). The data analysed includes weather forecasts, maintenance logs, customer feedback, financial data, and airport operational data, to name just a few sources.
In this article, we will explore how BI tools have become indispensable in aviation, transforming the way airlines, MROs and airports operate and adapt to the challenging demands of the industry.
Why Do We Need BI Tools?
Many organisations – no matter the industry – have good intentions when it comes to leveraging their data. They go to great efforts collecting and preparing data but if people don’t read through the reports generated because they’re difficult to interpret, what’s it all for?
Thankfully, BI tools take the heavy lifting out of the equation. They’re on another level compared to older reporting tools, able to draw attention to patterns that a human could easily miss, and they don’t stop at identifying trends – they can also provide insights into the causes behind trends. In addition, they’re helpful for benchmarking purposes.
What’s more, the volume of data that aviation companies need to process exceeds the computer power of normal desktop computers, which is why legacy systems are not really suitable for today’s purposes. That’s where the cloud comes in, able to handle extensive volumes of data at-speed.
BI software usually comes with data visualisation tools, making interpretation even more intuitive.
Specialised Vs. General BI Software
Companies looking to extract maximum value from their data should consider the benefits of deploying industry-specific BI tools. Specialised tools such as OASES Insights are not just general-purpose analytics platforms; they are finely tuned to manage and interpret data that is unique to the aviation industry, making them far more adept at tackling sector-specific challenges.
Applications of BI in Aviation
BI can improve any aspect of your operations that you have data for. Below are just a few use cases.
Optimising Flight Operations
Airlines generate massive amounts of data related to flight paths, aircraft performance, and air traffic control communications.
BI tools analyse this data to optimise flight routes and schedules, resulting in significant fuel savings and reduced operational costs. Using historical data, potential delays can be predicted and alternative routes or schedules suggested, thus minimising disruptions and maximising efficiency.
BI tools also assist airlines in predicting passenger demand accurately by analysing factors such as historical booking data and market trends. As a result, airlines can optimise seat inventory, pricing strategies, and flight schedules to maximise revenue.
Improving Safety
Aircraft safety is paramount, and this is where BI tools integrated into MRO software truly shine. Predictive maintenance allows for the analysis of data from aircraft sensors and maintenance logs, in order to anticipate potential issues before they escalate into safety hazards.
For example, a BI system can analyse data from engine performance sensors to predict when a component might fail. This approach allows the maintenance team to address the issue during routine checks rather than facing an unexpected malfunction mid-flight, which could compromise safety.
This proactive approach not only enhances safety but also optimises maintenance schedules, reducing unexpected downtime. It’s vital to have such capabilities in a context where even minor issues can have serious repercussions.
Predictive maintenance is a key driver for aircraft connectivity upgrades, according to the Honeywell Aerospace June 2018 survey. The survey showed that the investment was a top priority for 88% of 106 commercial airline technology purchasing managers and decision makers.
Optimising MRO Efficiency
Efficiency is the backbone of successful MRO. BI tools can analyse vast amounts of operational data to identify areas for process improvement; this could mean optimising workflow schedules, managing inventory more effectively, or identifying bottlenecks in repair processes.
As such, airlines and MRO providers can reduce turnaround times and ultimately increase customer satisfaction.
Improving Sustainability
Passenger numbers are forecast to increase from 2.05 billion in 2021 to 10.4 billion in the year 2050. It’s also predicted that, within this period, the commercial aviation sector will have generated 21.2 gigatons of CO2. As such, the industry is increasingly focused on climate change adaptation.
As mentioned, BI helps reduce fuel consumption by optimising flight paths and altitudes; for example, analysing factors such as wind patterns and weather conditions can help in planning the most fuel-efficient routes. Analysing defects has also been known to reduce fuel usage through the early detection of leaks.
BI can also help in optimising ground operations, reducing the time aircraft spend taxiing on runways. Of course, taxiing only accounts for a small percentage of a flight’s fuel usage, but savings are in the millions across the operation of entire fleets.
Enhancing the Passenger Experience
Passenger experience is paramount in such a competitive industry. BI helps airlines understand their customers better by analysing data from various touchpoints, such as booking platforms, on-board services, and post-flight feedback. Airlines can then tailor their services to meet passengers’ evolving preferences.
For example, looking at the data from previous flights can identify popular in-flight meals and entertainment choices, and companies can adjust their offerings accordingly, which also minimises waste. Similarly, BI tools can use NLP to analyse passenger feedback and identify areas for improvement, be it in on-board comfort, check-in processes, or customer service.
Personalisation is key in many industries and customers have come to expect it, so analysing their preferences and behaviours enables tailored services and recommendations for a more customised and enjoyable travel experience.
Improving Maintenance Compliance and Quality Assurance
Compliance with airworthiness directives is a critical yet complex process. BI tools integrated with MRO software help providers ensure that all maintenance activities are compliant with industry regulations. For example, analysing data from past maintenance records and audits identifies potential compliance issues, allowing them to be addressed proactively.
In addition, BI tools can enhance quality assurance by providing insights into the quality and reliability of maintenance work, identifying areas where improvements are needed, and ensuring that maintenance standards are consistently high.
Cost Reduction
Cost control is a constant challenge in MRO operations. Organisations use BI tools to analyse various cost components, such as labour, spare parts, and facility maintenance in order to identify areas of inefficiency and excessive spending, which can inform cost reduction strategies.
Another area to consider is vendor and supplier performance. Monitoring data on product quality, on-time deliveries and pricing helps inform decisions on supplier relationships and negotiations.
Conclusion
The aviation industry’s increasing reliance on Business Intelligence tools is a testament to their transformative power. These tools have empowered airlines, airports, and aviation service providers to optimise operations, enhance passenger experiences, improve safety, and contribute to sustainability, among other benefits.
The role of BI tools will only become more prominent over time, ensuring that the industry remains agile, efficient, and responsive to changing demands and regulations.
More than 130 aviation organisations across six continents use OASES to streamline their MRO operations and extract insights from their data. Contact us today to book a demo.
