4 Airline Technology Trends That Will Rule in 2017

We have to admit it: the world has changed a lot! In 2017 we are living in a technologically advanced society like none that has ever existed before. Now, you can complete tasks in a fraction of the time it used to take; like ordering your dinner via a food app or booking an appointment with your doctor right from your iPhone. The presence of technology can be felt everywhere, and its influence is continuing to grow each day.

The airline industry is experiencing this transformation first hand! Modern airlines are adopting the digital revolution in an effort to win over customers. This translates into a better travel experience for air passengers across the globe, but what will airlines roll out in the near future? Let’s take a look at the most influential airline technology trends that will have significant impacts in 2017.

Internet of Things (IoT)

According to Gartner, there will be 25 billion connected devices by 2020. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the concept of connecting all physical objects via a network. This concept is already helping the aviation industry as modern airlines are using IoT to offer the best customer service possible and to make their flights more efficient, safe, and enjoyable for the passengers.

So, it’s no surprise that IoT will generate many benefits for airlines in 2017. There are a number of examples of this concept’s success already. A great example being VietJet implementing the first airport check-in kiosks in Vietnam, simplifying the lives of their airline passengers.

Automation in the Aviation Industry

Automation has allowed airlines across the globe the chance to optimize their services. For air passengers, automation means a faster, more convenient travel experience with minimized tedious manual processes.

There are many areas of the aviation industry that can be streamlined with automation. However, the most important of them include: passenger reservation, ticket processing, cargo management, and in-flight services.

Automation is already occupying a large space in the airline industry and it will only be increased in 2017. For instance, ameliaRES Airline Passenger Reservation system has enabled Vieques Air Link (VAL), to make everything ticketless and passengers only need their confirmation or any type of ID at the time of check-in. Within 45 days of the ameliaRES implementation, 20% of VAL’s reservations were made through the web.

Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual Reality (VR) is another important technology that is going to make travelling more fun in 2017. This can be considered as another important avenue for airlines to collect data on customers. It also gives airlines a competitive edge when crafting offers.

Australian airline Qantas has already taken a lead on this concept. Qantas has recently started to offer e-devices to their passengers on the flights and passengers can be entirely busy in enjoying games, movies, and more – all from 40,000 feet up in the air. The success of Virtual Reality with Qantas means other airlines are certain to follow the same in 2017.

Big Data

With Big Data technology, modern airlines can accomplish loads of activities. With Big Data, tasks such as sending tailor made offers to customers in real-time becomes easier (just by keeping track of details such as the customer’s purchase history, travel itineraries, search tendencies etc.). Big Data can also help airlines to detect the most efficient flight path that is less time consuming, safe, and saves on fuel! American carrier United Airlines is a great example of an airline that has already successfully implemented Big Data for individual customers.

It’s really amazing that technology has taken the lead for everything in the sky. It’s not crazy to think that technology is going to control every aspects of commercial space transportation in the coming years.

Stay tuned, since the airline industry is only going to get better in 2017 as technology continues to rapidly improve and advance!

If you liked this blog, you might be interested in reading: Big Data and The Travel Industry The Top 10 Aviation Technology Innovations in 2016  or Top Airline Trends to Expect in the Future

10 Longest Flights In The World

Earlier this year, Qatar Airways, a state-owned flag carrier of Qatar, launched the longest nonstop flight services in the world – flights QR920 and QR921. As of now, the flights will operate daily each way between Doha, Qatar and Auckland, New Zealand, using the Boeing 777-200LR – the ultra-long range variant of the 777. The first flight took 16 hours and 23 minutes to complete the journey and crossed 10 time zones. There were four pilots on board, as well as 15 cabin crews. The new route is expected to be popular among the European and Gulf Area tourists headed to New Zealand.

Flights QR920 and QR921 will actually take somewhere around 17 hours each way, depending on weather conditions. Usually, the great circle distance between Doha and Auckland is just less than 7,850 nautical miles.

Qatar Airways is not alone in introducing these longer flights to the world. Emirates has also begun a slightly shorter (7,600 miles) Dubai-Auckland flight service. Currently, these two flight services are at the top of the list in terms of the longest flights in the world, atleast until Singapore Airlines re-launches its New York-Singapore service which will cover about 8,200 miles. In 2013, Singapore Airlines cancelled EWR-SIN flights, but they intend to resume the same in the coming years. Also, Qantas is going to launch a Perth-London route in 2018. Mentioned below is a list of the 10 longest flights in the world at the moment.

1. Singapore-New York (Singapore Airlines. 8285 miles. Airbus A350)

2. Doha-Auckland (Qatar Airways. 7848 miles. Boeing 777-200LR)

3. London-Perth (Qantas. 7829 miles. Boeing 787-9)

4. Dubai-Auckland (Emirates. 7668 miles. Boeing 777-200LR)

5. Dubai-Panama (Emirates. 7463 miles. Boeing 777-200LR)

6. Dallas-Sydney (Qantas. 7454 miles. Airbus A380)

7. San Francisco-Singapore (United, Singapore Airlines. 7,339 miles. 787-9, A350)

8. Atlanta-Johannesburg (Delta. 7333 miles. Boeing 777-200LR)

9. Dubai-Los Angeles (Emirates. 7246 miles. Airbus A380)

10. Jeddah-Los Angeles (Saudia. 7240 miles. Boeing 777-300ER)

The first non-stop flights between Britain and Australia are going to be launched by Qantas in March 2018 and this will set a new record. The total distance between London and Perth is 8,991 miles.

7 Compelling Reasons To Use Airline Cargo Management Software

Due to the fast changing demands of the aviation industry, many airlines and cargo businesses have now turned to advanced and automated systems to keep pace with the latest regulatory procedures and new standards.

Now, more than ever, airline cargo carriers are doing all they can to ensure that customers have a good experience every time. Achieving customer loyalty is half the battle won, but remaining profitable is still not as easy as it may be in other industry verticals. Gaining profits for each quarter of the year is no small feat, even for some of the biggest players in the aviation industry. In today's fast paced, economically demanding environment, airlines have to adapt and adopt automated and smart ways to remain afloat. 

Airline Cаrgо Mаnаgеmеnt Software

Airlines and cargo carriers all over the world have made significant investments in IT and automated software because it has enabled them to cut costs, improve workflows and effectively manage their overall business. One of the most popular examples of the involvement of IT in the airline industry is airline cargo management software.

7 Reasons Why You Should Use Airline Cаrgо Mаnаgеmеnt Software 

Aіrlіnе Cargo Management systems hаvе paramount benefits for the еffесtіvе mаnаgеmеnt оf commercial and саrgо airlines. Below, we have highlighted the 7 most compelling reasons why you, as a cargo airline carrier, should be using Airline Cаrgо Mаnаgеmеnt Software to help make your airline more effective and profitable!

1. Decrease in Costly Errors

Cargo automation software includes a built- in customer address book and customer account information. It also includes all of the applicable cargo charges and ancillary charges with the automated tax and fuel charge calculations necessary for a certain commodity and route. Your staff never has to calculate charges, removing the risk of calculation error or of entering inaccurate customer information. This helps your airline to avoid costly errors and revenue leakage and also ensures that your customers are not overcharged accidentally, ultimately leading to higher customer satisfaction and retention.

2. Increased Customer Service

What is the cost of a lost customer to you? With cargo automation features such as real time cargo tracking, automated rate calculation and cargo accounting, you and your customers are empowered to know exactly how much the cargo will cost and when the cargo will arrive at its destination through automatic notifications.

3. Flight Availability and Choice

With good cargo management software, you have an immediate and real time view of space availability and revenue across all your flights. Additionally, you may grant customers the ability to search and book space on your flights, this provides greater customer satisfaction and enables you to maximize revenue per flight. The real-time view of space availability ensures that the cargo is prioritised based upon revenue. Real-time tracking enables you to provide guaranteed service levels. Proactive action can be taken to ensure key performance indicators are achieved for each customer.

4. Access to Real Time Cargo Data and Analysis

When you have access to real-time cargo data and the ability to run reports, you are able to make faster and better informed business decisions based on your trends and history. Access to valuable data at your fingertips, with the push of a button, empowers you to see the total cost of your decisions and mitigate future expensive/bad decisions.

5. Management Control

With cargo automation, you are able to regain control over your cargo management, cargo costs, and your risk (across every location, as it is happening). Every location has the same view and access to the same common data, rather than each location having its own data which may not be accurate. A cargo system is flexible enough to accommodate custom company business rules, yet powerful enough to force all users (both internal and external) to follow the policies that ensure efficient and cost effective shipping.

6. Integrated Accounting

Cargo systems include a fully integrated revenue accounting system which will automatically calculate and produce customer invoices and receipts. All accounting data is made available via data extracts in the industry standard format for the most popular accounting systems. This gives your airline the ability to integrate customer’s in-house systems to avoid the re-keying of data. Your accounting team will have an updated view of customer accounts including invoiced and un-invoiced revenue and the customer credit availability. The system will prevent customers from exceeding their credit limit- making your CFO’s life much easier to manage!

7. Fully Hosted SaaS Web Base

Cargo systems are fully hosted and web-based, all you require to run them is an Internet enabled device (PC, Laptop or tablet) and a connection the Internet. The system training is simple, with a menu driven screen and easy-to-complete forms. No specialized IT staff are required to operate the system. You create your own users and control user access rights. Cargo management systems require low operational costs, with pay as you use Software as a Service (SaaS) license models offered. With such powerful cargo automation features, there are no additional resources needed to manage your cargo system, even as your business grows and ships more cargo.

With innovation driving the dynamics of airline management software, there are opportunities as well as risks involved in the cargo business. Cargo management systems offer a cost-effective and reliable solution to airlines, with an easy rollout, impressive varieties of feature options, dependable functionalities driven by user requirements, the ability to automatically update customer’s in-house systems, wide ranges of configuration options to best suit your airline, visibility and transparency of cargo movements to customers and enhanced customer service satisfaction.

Unless a cargo business utilizes emerging IT and innovative software, the business faces the danger of rivals eating into its market share and threatening its sustainability. Only creative and innovative cargo businesses that keep abreast with the emerging IT technologies like airline cargo management software will be able to survive the competition in the long run.

The Top 10 Richest Airlines In The World

Air travelling is very popular, and since it is the quickest way to get to any destination in the world in the shortest amount of time, it's not hard to see why! According to a recent report published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the airline industry will make a net profit of $29.8 billion in 2017 and it is one of the major common sectors that strongly supports the global economy at large.

Not all airlines provide the same services, and therefore the cost of air travel largely depends on the types of services an airline has to offer its passengers. The top airlines around the globe offer world class services to their clients including luxury suites, premium seats, private lounges, top-of-the-line entertainment, first class cabins, and much, much more.

 Highlighted below are 10 of the richest airlines in the world, excelling at customer delight!

1. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is the richest airline in the world and it offers its services to more than 150 international destinations. They are the owner of one of the most luxurious aircrafts in the world and they boast best-in-class services including entertainment and comfort. Qatar Airways was the very first airline to land an Airbus A350 in the United States, and today they have a fleet of 200 aircrafts. The state-of-the-art aircrafts and unparalleled level of service offered by this airline has helped Qatar Airways to earn many recognitions and a 5-star rating.

2. Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is another big name in the airline industry; known for their spacious and incredibly comfortable aircrafts. They are currently ranked among the top 10 richest airlines in the world, due to their fleet size and the type of aircrafts they own (some of the largest aircrafts in the world)! Their Airbus A380 is one of the largest passenger carrier crafts on the planet. Their fleet size is over 105, and includes both large passenger and cargo aircrafts. In 2016, Singapore Airlines was presented with the prestigious “Asia’s Leading Airline-First Class” award due to the quality of services they offers to their customers.

3. Cathay Pacific Airways

This Hong Kong based airline currently operates in over 52 countries around the world, offering flights to over 200 destinations! They have more than 146 planes in their fleet. Cathay Pacific Airways recently received recognition for their first class airline lounge, featuring beautiful cabanas with tubs to refresh in, a sit-down restaurant and a champagne bar. As well, Cathay Pacific Airways passengers rave about the impeccable services on board and on the ground. Service is a clear place that this airline stands out against competitors.

4. Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines are considered among the best (and richest) airlines in the world. They fly to more than 280 destinations in 6 continents. Turkish Airlines are well-known for their lounges which include a children's playground, library, billiards area, prayer room and teleconference station, as well as a relaxation section with showers and massage beds. The airline has been valued at more than 3 billion. They have also received several achievement awards due to the level of excellent experience that they offer to passengers, such as in-flight hors d'oeuvres and soup services. 

5. Emirates

Emirates are the largest and one of the richest airlines in the Middle East. They are currently serving clients in more than 150 destinations around the world with their state of the art fleets of Airbus A380s and Boeing 77s. Emirates are globally ranked 5th in terms of revenue. In 2017, Emirates has been recognized as the best airline in the world with excellent customer service. Emirates are the winner of more than 500 international awards.

6. Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways are the national airline in the United Arab Emirates. They are considered among one of the fastest growing airlines on the globe! Etihad Airways are known for their rich amenities such as entertainment, services for clients, dining, and their new fleet of planes. They are currently serving 68 destinations with more than 120 aircrafts.

7. ANA All Nippon Airways

ANA All Nippon Airways are a Japanese based airline and they are widely recognized as being among the richest airlines in the world. ANA All Nippon Airways are ranked as a 5-star airline and they are the only airline in Japan that has received a 5-star rating for four consecutive years!

8. Eva Air

Eva Air, based in Taiwan, operates in over 60 international destinations. They have more than 70 Boeing, Airbus and McDonnell Douglas' in their collection of aircrafts. Eva Air have been in the airline industry since the 1800’s and they are popular for providing their customers with impeccible customer service and cargo services. Eva Air is notorious for their creative, fun plane designs. They are also well known for their 15 hour and 55 minute flight they offer from Taiwan's capital to Taipei (covering 12, 776 kms), ranked as one of the 25 longest flights in the world!

9. Garuda Indonesia

The Garuda Indonesia Airline was once in a financial crisis, but today they are considered among one of the richest airlines in the world. They have been rated as a 5-Star airline. Garuda Indonesia has also been recognized as having the world’s best cabin crew and as the World’s Best Regional Airline.

10. Qantas

Qantas are the largest airline in Australia in terms of their fleet size. They are also currently serving many more international destinations than any other airline in Australia. Qantas is considered the second oldest airline in the world. Founded in 1920, Quantas started up only 17 years after the Wright brothers became the first to fly an aircraft!