Following the IATA World Data Symposium which took place in Dublin in February, we share the Comply365 take on some of the key trends emerging from the conference sessions and discussions with airlines at the event. The IATA WDS theme ‘Digital skies, unleashing the power of Data in Aviation’ explored the latest innovations in data that are transforming the world of aviation.
Here is the Comply365 take on some of the most important themes from IATA WDS:
Real-Time Data for Real-Time Decisioning
Supplying the pilot with pertinent information to aid their decision-making process combining data from different systems that empowers the pilot to make more informed data-driven decisions over and above what aircraft instruments are displaying.
Rapid digital decisioning is essential to the future of the connected, digital first airline. Every airline has data that holds critically important information that could transform their performance. But accessing, managing and using it can be a huge problem, especially when it’s stored in multiple formats across different departments, making it hard to identify, investigate, analyse and share in a productive and proactive way.
Sophisticated data analytics and digital decisioning tools are an absolute must to provide airlines with intuitive, intelligent data access and visualization, helping them to make faster data-driven decisions. This is something we are laser focused on at Comply365 with PureIntel – which has simplicity of data access, a highly intuitive user experience and speed to insight at its core.
Data Silos Need to be Addressed
Data silos across the airline persist and the need for integration with existing and new systems needs to be advanced. While airlines continue to have these data silos, opportunities to drive efficiencies via a 360 view of the operation will be missed.
Combining Data Provides the True Value
Airlines are increasingly recognizing that while individual data sets from various operational areas can offer useful insights on their own, the real value emerges when these disparate data sources are integrated and analyzed collectively. By combining data from different domains—such as operations, safety, and training—airlines can uncover deeper insights that would not be possible through isolated data sets. These areas are not only interconnected but are also critical to the smooth, efficient functioning and enhanced safety of airline operations. For instance, operational data might provide insights into training needs and potential safety risks, and training data can shed light on the operational readiness and effectiveness of crew members. When these datasets are combined, airlines can identify patterns and correlations that lead to more informed, data-driven decisions that enhance performance, minimize risks, improve training programs, and ultimately create a safer and more efficient flying experience. This holistic approach ensures that airlines are not just responding to isolated issues but are proactively addressing challenges across interconnected operational domains, maximizing both efficiency and safety.
Prioritization of Data Projects – Where to Invest?
Data analysts in airlines are operating in an uncertain environment – they are unsure which data projects will reap the best ROI and how to identify important data points amongst the noise. Many airline data projects fail because they start with too big of a scope and it takes too long to show the value of advanced analytics. This also presents an exciting opportunity for a data product that unearths the relevant data to drive a desired outcome for example improving operational efficiency, improving aircraft throughput etc. There is a clear demand for data products that can distill vast amounts of complex information into actionable insights, focusing on the most relevant data points that drive desired outcomes.
Data Governance Controls for AI
As the volume of data continues to grow at an unprecedented rate and becomes increasingly integrated with AI, establishing trust through robust data governance is more critical than ever. Airlines are taking proactive measures to ensure that they maintain meticulous data governance frameworks alongside a well-defined data strategy. This approach serves as a foundation for demonstrating control over how data is handled and processed, which is especially important as AI becomes a driving force in enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency. By adhering to stringent governance practices, airlines can reassure both customers and business partners that they are responsibly managing sensitive data and applying AI technologies ethically and securely.
While the goal is to leverage AI to enhance teams and supercharge efforts, this must be all while adopting a responsible approach with AI to gain confidence, experience, and gain the trust of the airline users and regulators – which requires transparency, testing, and time. By ensuring transparency and rigor in their data governance practices, airlines can foster confidence in their AI initiatives, creating a balance between technological advancement and responsible stewardship of customer data.
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At Comply365, our ongoing investment in PureIntel data analytics platform is to specifically address many of the above issues. Data is both an opportunity and an ongoing challenge to navigate given the vast data sets available. Being a data-empowered airline is the holy grail and will unlock significant efficiencies.
PureIntel by Comply365 is a dynamic business intelligence and data analytics platform that sets new benchmarks for the speed and ease of data-informed decision making across airline operations and safety. The self-serving data analytics platform enables users to create and distribute critical operational and safety insights with ease, and define data driven alerts for proactive risk management and to increase operational efficiency.
Learn more about PureIntel by Comply365