Integrating multiple aspects of airline operations may seem like a pipe dream, but starting with a complete Airline Passenger Service System, it could be happening soon. Being able to run a baggage claim system, modify internet booking engines, track aircraft maintenance, and monitor flight crew training could soon all be brought under one umbrella with the latest technology. This way passengers can benefit, as will aviation maintenance specialists, ticketing agents, and each crew member. Passengers would also be able to request special services as they secure their reservations and those requests would be passed on to the ground-handling agents and fight crew that will be boarding this individual.
Being able to provide these services will not only make for a more enjoyable experience on the part of the passenger, it can streamline the flow of information that is critical to other areas of airline operations. For instance, an Airline Passenger Service System could, in turn, work with the integrated accounting system to share data regarding the number of passengers served, any upgrades or downgrades, and extra baggage charges. Accessing this data can help in increasing visibility and spotting trends in passenger experience.
The proposed integration of the various Airline Passenger Service systems can have a number of benefits for air travelers; with the baggage handling system and flight operations management working hand in hand with the fleet management, tracking lost and misrouted baggage can become easier than ever before and will offer passengers more information regarding their bags.
With improved fleet management systems, it is possible that delayed, canceled, or overbooked flights may become a thing of the past. Any regular air traveler will tell you that this could be a game-changer.
Getting all of the myriad of systems needed to operate an airline to speak to and work with one another will be no small feat, but with the ability for carrier operators to get the entire picture of their operations, it seems likely that the biggest winners in this scenario will be those who travel by air on a regular basis. For them, this integration of systems can make their own businesses run smoother as well as their personal lives.
