AirAsia launches Airbus Smarter Fleet Electronic Flight Folder (eFF)

1. Airbus help AirAsia in Smarter Fleet Electronic Flight Folder (eFF).

2. eFF is a comprehensive software application that allows pilots to access their briefing package on-board the aircraft, or from home, the hotel, or the crew briefing room. The software also offers enhanced capabilities to manage electronic forms such as the post flight journey log and air safety reports. It is interconnected with the airline environment delivering briefing packages and automatically archiving data.

3. “At AirAsia we place great importance in making sure that our crew are equipped with the  latest applications and an optimised working environment,” said  Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia. “With the latest solutions being offered by Airbus, we can reduce paper in the cockpit, enhance overall efficiency and ensure that we maintain the very highest standards of safety and operational excellence.”

4. “We are pleased to launch our latest innovation with AirAsia,” said Didier Lux, Head of Customer Services, Airbus. “As one of our largest customers, AirAsia continuously demonstrates its commitment to ensure the most efficient and reliable flight operations. Today the airline once again leads the way in working towards a truly Smarter Fleet.”

5. The new eFF application can be combined with a whole suite of Smarter Fleet solutions to optimize end-to-end operations. For instance, with the Maintenance Mobility module, maintenance personnel will be provided with timely information including documentation, work packages, and critical aircraft technical data, harnessing the benefits of mobile technology.
The AirAsia Group is one of Airbus’ largest customers worldwide and has now placed orders for a total of 571 Aircraft. These include 475 A320 Family aircraft for the pan-Asian short haul fleet, plus 96 widebodies (86 A330s and 10 A350 XWBs) for operation by long haul affiliate AirAsia X.

Source : http://www.airbus.com/presscentre/pressreleases/press-release-detail/detail/airasia-launches-airbus-smarter-fleet-electronic-flight-folder-1/

16 JUNE 2015  

MAS Installs Aircraft Tracking System -every 15 minute Signal

MAS Installs Aircraft Tracking System - Liow

PUTRAJAYA, March 6 (Bernama) -- National carrier Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has introduced a 15-minute aircast data downloading system to keep track on its aircraft almost on real time basis.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said he had ordered MAS to install an aircraft tracking system as part of enhancing aircraft security, as Malaysia emerged a key proponent for a real-time tracking system following the disappearance of the MAS flight MH370 a year ago.

"(Data downloading) every 15 minutes, very close to real time. For aircraft and aviation industry, 15 minutes signal downloading and data processing is of great importance," he said at a media briefing here today in conjunction with the first anniversary of the missing plane.

Flight MH370, which carried 12 crew members and 227 passengers, went off the radar screens while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing about one hour after departing from the KL International Airport on March 8 last year. It was scheduled to arrive in Beijing at 6.30 am on the same day.

Liow said Malaysia was currently working with Australia on an aircraft tracking system and welcomed Australia's efforts to improve the system.

Malaysia, he said, had proposed to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in its council meeting at Montreal, Canada last October to look into the installation of a real-time air-tracking system on all international commercial flights.

"ICAO took the proposal very seriously and had set up a special committee to analyse the proposal and will announce their decision by Aug 31.

"There are certain requirements and conditions attached to this real-time tracking system," he said.

-- BERNAMA

MAS new mandatory self check-in

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has introduced a the mandatory self check-in requirement for all economy class passengers flying out of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) from July 15.

The airline said in a statement that customers can save valuable time and reduce the hassle of checking in via the self check-in option.

For up to 48 hours prior to a flight, customers can choose to either check in via MHweb check-in on www.malaysiaairlines.com or the MHmobile check in on flymas.mobi.

They can also use the self service check-in kiosks located at the KLIA and Putrajaya Express Rail Link station.

“There are currently 34 kiosks available throughout the KLIA. Smart phone users may also download the free MHmobile app for easy check-in. First class and business class passengers who opt for the self check-in, may do so through any of the options available,” MAS said.

Customer Services Director Datuk Salleh Ahmad Tabrani said the self check-in is a prelude to implementation of the automated baggage drop and self tagging.

“Once fully implemented, the self service check-in kiosk will allow passengers to take control of their check-in experience and manage their time accordingly.

“Using this technology and innovation to automate the check-in process will also ease congestion at check-in counters.

“Our guests will benefit as it reduces the time spent waiting in queue. We urge all MAS guests to take note of this new development,” he added.

Customers will only need their booking reference or the 13-digit E-Ticket number to perform the self check-in. –BERNAMA

AirAsia gets nod to use cost-cutting technology

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia became be the first airline in the country to be granted the RNP-AR APCH flight operations approval.

The RNP-AR APCH or the Required Navigation Performance Authori- sation Required Approach, is an advanced form of Performance-based Navigation (PBN) technology, which can be designed to shorten the distance an aircraft has to fly en route, and to reduce fuel burn, exhaust emissions and noise pollution in communities near airports.

The PBN technology allows pilots to use onboard technology to follow a precise track, independent of ground-based navigation beacons that limit where the aircraft can go.

“We are proud to be the first airline in Malaysia to be granted this operations approval. It is a remarkable achievement.

“By achieving significant mile savings, we are able to save on fuel costs and this could be translated to more low fares for our guests,” said AirAsia Bhd chief executive officer Aireen Omar in a statement.

RNP-AR APCH’s precision and reliability can help air traffic controllers reduce flight delays and alleviate air traffic congestion.

AirAsia hopes to save up to RM1mil a year from reduced fuel costs.

Source : The Star, 14 Dec 2013