The aviation industry is dynamic and ever changing. One of the major drivers for that change is technology and its widespread adoption by the sector.
In an aviation world still on the road to recovery from its greatest slump in history, it is more important than ever for airlines and wider industry players to achieve efficient and cost-effective operations. Airlines, airports, training institutions and MROs across the world and now in Africa are realising the value of tech solutions in driving business.
For a continent whose aviation sector is characterised by high costs and extremely low margins, the importance of adopting innovative technologies has never needed more emphasis.
A fast growing Singapore based aviation infotech solutions company has set out on a path to bring ‘simplified, cost-effective solutions that deliver safety, efficiency and profitability’ to the industry, developing application software solutions and enhancing the IT ecosystem across the value chain.
Laminaar Aviation infotech has this year alone added Uganda Airlines, Kenya Airways, Jambojet, NextAv, South African Airways and Rwandair to its growing list of happy clients in Africa. No mean feat. But what specific software solutions are driving this and why are Africa’s operators getting on-board?
Crew management system
Laminaar Aviation describes its ARMS Crew Management Sub-System (CMSS) as a comprehensive and optimized crew management solution for planning, scheduling, monitoring & control. It ensures balance between quality-of-life, fairness, legality and cost. Recently acquired by Uganda’s national airline to support its operations, here are its key features:
- Maintains up-to-date records of crew training, qualifications and documents
- Provides manpower planning tools to ensure adequacy of crew availability
- Automates recurrent training planning to ensure high proficiency levels
- Efficient leave planning balancing roster with crew requirements
- Reduces roster costs through optimized pairing (trips) and scheduling of crew, balancing fairness and crew quality of life
- Continuously monitors crew qualifications, proficiency and utilization, to remain fully compliant with statutory regulations
- Provides comprehensive crew logistics support to ensure hassle-free handling of crew facilitation services like hotel, travel & transportation, documentation, allowances, etc.
Flight Planning and Dispatch System
Laminaar’s Flight Planning and Dispatch Sub-system is a remote and centralized flight dispatch with automated processes and comprehensive flight briefing packages. Guaranteeing optimized flight planning and minimized cost – delivered on EFB/ EFF.
Key features:
- Builds and analyzes routes and suggests best options for optimized routing. Factors in tankering and other optimization parameters to recommend lowest cost solutions
- Auto-computes optimal Operational Flight Plan (OFP) based on latest weather forecast, actual payload data from CRS/ DCS and other company defaults, factoring in operational and maintenance constraints triggered by MEL
- Auto-checks and warns crew and dispatchers of any critical weather, NOTAMs and MEL implications on safety and performance
- Validates selected route and flight plan and files clearances automatically
- Caters for re-routing in-flight to accommodate dynamically changing operational scenarios
- Provides a centralized facility to publish trip-kits on web portal or EFB/ EFF applications
- Provides visibility of the flight planning activities on a consolidated Flight Information Board, cautioning dispatchers of any critical warnings affecting safe dispatch.
Flight Operations System
Laminaar Aviation’s Flight Operations Sub Sytem (FOSS) was built to monitor, control and manage IOCC functions with real-time communications. It ensures on-time performance, optimized fleet utilization and disruption recovery.
Key Features:
- Assigns aircraft tails for the Day/ Period of operation (optimal tail for the job)
- Proactively manages the schedule for punctuality; ensure On Time Performance
- Looks ahead, pre-empts problems and conflicts before they cause disruptions
- Provides a comprehensive Fleet Watch: tracks flights, monitors fuel on board, ETA, weather and NOTAMs; spots trouble before it disrupts operations
- Communicates with all agencies through unified messaging and notifications; stay in sync, no communication gaps, everyone on the same page
- Manages disruptions optimally; advises on most efficient recovery solution ensuring Ops personnel are in consistent control
The priority for global aviation today is to improve revenues and drive down costs through greater efficiencies. Technology has the potential to unlock the potential of Africa’s aviation market and there is growing optimism that the covid pandemic has inspired a paradigm shift among many on the continent. Africa remains a frontier with vastly untapped potential and now is the time to set a trajectory for sustained growth. New technological solutions will play a massive role.
