20 March

Internet Of Things In The Aviation Industry

The aviation industry is all about making connections. Whether it’s flying passengers to their destinations or carrying cargo through the supply chain, aircraft are essential for connecting people and commerce. With the invention of the internet, airline operations have looked for the ways it could efficiency, customer service, and sales. From being able to book tickets from the comfort of your home to being able to calculate the private jet cost per hour – the internet has significantly transformed the way we interact with aviation.

In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a powerful tool used to accomplish this and much more for aviation. Simply put, IoT is the framework for smart devices – which aren’t computers in the traditional sense – to send and receive information over the Internet. For example, farmers can utilize IoT to plot out the routes their tractors take across their fields. Homeowners can use it to control their lights, home entertainment systems, and appliances from a single dashboard. This smart technology also is being utilized across the aviation sector. Here are some industry operations that are being transformed by IoT.

Maintenance – By collecting and sharing data about their flights, modern planes can tell crews when they experience mechanical problems long before any symptoms manifest. This means maintenance and repair technicians can be deployed with exceptional efficiency. By being quickly armed with this data, workers can resolve issues and keep equipment in the sky with minimal delays. Manufacturers also can use this information to predict demand for components. When they know certain parts are reaching the end of their lifespan, they can be better prepared to meet their need quickly and decisively.

Monitoring – A prominent application of IoT in aviation is its role in ongoing monitoring. Through the deployment of connected sensors and devices, airlines and aviation authorities can ensure real-time data collection for various critical parameters. From engine performance and fuel consumption to aircraft health and safety, IoT facilitates continuous and seamless monitoring. This technology also plays a pivotal role in the ongoing monitoring and analysis of environmental noise, helping aviation professionals maintain compliance with noise regulations and enhance the overall environmental impact of airports and air travel. As the aviation sector increasingly relies on IoT solutions, the industry is poised to experience heightened levels of safety, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

Cargo and Baggage – The ability to track items in real-time with RFID tagging has significant ramifications for cargo and baggage handling. Firstly, the management of equipment, cargo, and other items that go into the airport systems has become significantly easier and more accurate, thanks to the integration of advanced warehouse management software and other tracking tools. Carriers can now also provide customers with up-to-the-minute updates about the status of their shipments. Airlines can give passengers peace of mind by showing them where their luggage is through a smartphone app. This limits lost items and cuts down on the number of times travelers spend waiting for their bags to appear on the carousel.

Fuel Efficiency – Conserving fuel is one of the greatest concerns for airlines. Fortunately, IoT provides another weapon in their arsenal against waste. It allows them to stick to the most efficient routes with greater precision, virtually eliminating variances. It also provides operators with instant information about how equipment and resources are being used, giving them a chance to quickly correct any issues.

Passenger Experience – When virtually every aspect of air travel is connected and providing data, the potential to improve the experience for travelers is increased. They may be able to order drinks or snacks from their seats, see exactly how much space is left in the overhead bins, or even check if there’s a wait for the restroom. Anything that can make flying more convenient and less stressful can be a powerful differentiator in the highly competitive airline market.

Connecting people, places, and things is the mission of the aviation sector. When the equipment and systems it relies on are connected through the Internet, the door is opened to new efficiencies and experiences for all involved.

Author bio: Allen Jones is Chief Operating Officer of National Aero Stands, a world leader in engine stand leasing – founded with the purpose of providing aircraft engine transportation stand support. Jones, who has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, currently oversees daily business and leasing operations.