GE Aerospace on Monday announced a landmark contract for flight operations software with Air India, the Indian airline bought by the Tata Group in 2022.
With this strategic partnership completed, Air India has become the first company in India to adopt GE’s FlightPulse pilot app, along with ‘Safety and Fuel Insight’, across the group.
Safety Insight will provide Air India with access to advanced analytics and real-time data monitoring to improve safety and ensure optimal performance across its fleet.
Fuel Insight will provide Air India with comprehensive fuel efficiency solutions, allowing the group to optimize travel for more efficient fuel management.
“The GE FlightPulse software is independent of the type of engine and airframe it is used with and will work on all Air India group aircraft fleets,” a GE Aerospace spokesperson said in response to a query from Business standard.
“FlightPulse brings a pilot’s personal historical flight data, and the insights derived from it, safely and directly into your own hands.
This increases flight crew awareness of safety and efficiency trends. For example, a pilot may be aware that specific fuel economy procedures exist (such as engine off, taxiing), but may not be aware of his own contribution to the overall success. FlightPulse is designed to bridge that gap,” the spokesperson said.
“A typical scenario is the probability of holds and go-arounds, by runway, time of day and weather conditions, and the actual fuel consumption associated with such events when they occur. “Having immediate access to data-driven insights increases crew confidence in the plan, promotes informed decision-making and provides greater situational awareness,” the spokesperson said.
The FlightPulse pilot app and its built-in “animation module” will enhance the engagement of more than 5,000 Air India flight crew members by providing them with insights from personalized flight data.
Air India is poised to bring about substantial changes in its operational landscape. GE Aerospace’s software solutions will further enable the company to strengthen flight safety best practices and transform its fuel efficiency program across all flight operations.
“Air India group airlines are excited to partner with GE Aerospace and integrate their innovative solutions into our operations,” said Klaus Goersch, Chief Operations Officer of Air India.
Air India is navigating a major, five-year transformation roadmap under the auspices of Vihaan.AI. The first phase of this transformation, called the taxi phase, was recently completed and focused on establishing the basics.
This includes returning many long-grounded aircraft to service, adding talent for flight and ground functions, rapidly upgrading technology and strengthening customer service.
Air India has an extensive domestic network and operates non-stop flights to cities around the world, in the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Far East, South East Asia, Australia and the Gulf.
GE Aerospace is a leading supplier of jet engines, components and systems for commercial and military aircraft, with an installed base of more than 44,000 commercial and 26,000 military aircraft engines.
First print: March 12, 2024 | 12:05 pm IST