Airline takes mobile flight device on board
BMI looks to further reduce running costs
UK airline BMI is considering the use of custom-made mobile computers in aircraft cockpits to automate take-off and route planning; as well as manage flight information.
The introduction of electronic flight bags is part of Blue Sky, a three-year programme to reduce IT costs by £100m.
The devices are integrated flight systems and can include satellite weather depiction, aircraft performance calculations and mapping functions.
BMI group IT director Richard Dawson says the devices contain vital information that the captain and crew currently carry in paper-based manuals.
‘At the moment, the pilot picks up a manual and calculates the optimal take-off route based on averages,’ he said.
An automated device would allow BMI to optimise take-off performance and reduce fuel, one of the most significant running costs at the airline.
‘The manual is also quite heavy, so if we can take it off the flight deck, it would create a weight saving,’ said Dawson.
‘This could create substantial savings on some short-haul routes that involve many take-offs and landings.
BMI’s Blue Sky programme has been extended to a continuous improvement plan after cutting £100m costs from the business in the last three years.
‘We have achieved significant savings through online check-in and e-ticketing, with more than 90 per cent of our tickets now e-tickets,’ said Dawson.
Butler Group analyst Mark Blowers says the use of electronic flight bags is a growing trend, as they are more accurate and can save time, paper and fuel.
‘Once information is captured in the cockpit, it is easier to download it automatically and connect it to the back office,’ he said.
‘There is also a growing awareness among organisations that IT can be used to reduce cost across the whole business. It should not be seen as a one-off project but something that can cut costs and add value through improved efficiency.’
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Further reading
In-flight mobile calls to start next year