GURUGRAM- India’s largest carrier, IndiGo Airlines (6E) has introduced its ‘NextGen EFB’ program, providing all ATR pilots with individual iPad 9th generation devices. This initiative enhances cockpit digitization and operational efficiency.
The new Apple iPads feature the A13 Bionic chip and a 10.2-inch Retina display, offering improved speed and optimum brightness.
IndiGo NextGen EFB
IndiGo became the first airline in India to use Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) on all its planes in 2015. EFB includes all necessary manuals which have thousands of pages.
Pilots now access pre-loaded documents, charts, and an onboard performance tool for precise aircraft monitoring. IndiGo implemented Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) on its ATR fleet in 2020, operating approximately 450,000 flights with this technology.
The digitization of EFBs has significantly improved operational efficiency. It has also reduced paper usage by 15kg per ATR cockpit, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint.
Captain Ashim Mittra, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations, announced the initiative as a significant step in the airline’s technological advancement.
The program aims to enhance operational efficiency and empower pilots with cutting-edge tools.
- Phase I introduces existing Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) applications.
- Phase II plans to achieve a fully paperless ATR cockpit.
IndiGo will integrate the Electronic Flight Folder (EFF), automating the import of flight briefing folders to EFB devices before each flight. This innovation will replace current paper processes, streamlining pre-flight preparations.
The ‘NextGen EFB’ program offers pilots greater flexibility in training and continuous learning. It also facilitates improved communication between pilots and the company, enhancing overall operational coordination.
Captain Mittra emphasized IndiGo’s commitment to introducing innovative technologies to improve operations and customer experience. With this IndiGo wants to position itself as an airline that uses technology to ensure safety and carry out hassle-free operations.
IndiGo is upgrading its website and mobile app with a new UI/UX interface. The rollout has begun from this anniversary month.
Other Airlines iPad Uses
Well, IndiGo is not the only airline in India to use iPads, airlines such as Vistara (UK), Air India (AI) and SpiceJet use it for various purposes. Also the defunct carriers Jet Airways and Go First used iPads as EFBs.
Last year, Vistara Airlines became the first Indian carrier to Introduce Electronic or E-Techlog Books. The Aircraft Technical logbook or Techlog is the Main Source for technical and operational data on each flight that occurs on an aeroplane. Such data includes defects and malfunctions, block times, and fuel consumption records. Techlog also records all maintenance carried out on an aircraft during scheduled maintenance visits.
Most recently Air India introduced Cabin Executive (CE) Plus, a cutting-edge iOS app tailored for its extensive team of over 1,200 cabin executives responsible for overseeing the cabin crew during flights.
Developed collaboratively by Air India’s digital technology and design teams based in Silicon Valley and Gurugram, in partnership with the in-flight services team, Cabin Executive Plus (CE Plus) integrates a range of functionalities into a single platform.
While, Southwest Airlines (WN) has selected AvioBook to implement digital technology across its fleet, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and eliminate the need for printing 88 million pages of paper annually.
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