Aerologic implements SITA eWAS Pilot to improve procedures
AeroLogic has become the first European cargo airline to implement the SITA eWAS Pilot weather monitoring solution, minimising the associated cost of weather-related flight disruption. Weather phenomena are a significant cause of flight delays, which cost airlines billions of dollars annually, according to research from data group Cirium. Adverse weather, such as icing conditions, can also cause up to US$500k in damage to a modern aircraft engine.
eWAS Pilot, used by 50,000 pilots worldwide, provides accurate 4D weather forecasts and real-time updates from various sources to warn about weather hazards such as thunderstorms, lightning, clear air turbulence, strong winds, icing, and even volcanic ash.
Armed with a complete and most-up-to-date picture of weather events, AeroLogic pilots can make informed, proactive decisions to re-route flights to avoid significant weather where needed. Furthermore, they can develop more economical, intelligent, and flexible flight route plans, ensuring strong on-time performance while reducing fuel burn and carbon emissions. In addition, AeroLogic makes use of Safety Line’s OptiDirect software, which is integrated with eWAS Pilot. This optional feature proposes shortcuts and shows possible fuel and time savings based on historical flight data.
Joe Moser, managing director of AeroLogic, said: “Safe, efficient and sustainable operations are a key part of AeroLogic’s long-term strategy, and COVID-19 has accelerated our digital transformation plans to deliver cost and time savings. We selected SITA to help us achieve this because of their industry knowledge and proven solutions. eWAS Pilot helps our crews stay a step ahead, avoiding the avoidable and delivering more efficient flight paths and better fuel usage.”
AeroLogic, a joint venture between DHL and Lufthansa Cargo, operates around 12,000 international flights a year. The eWAS technology was rolled out in just four weeks to the airline’s 17-strong ultramodern and low-emission B777F fleet.
As part of the airline’s digital transformation, AeroLogic has also signed up to SITA AIRCOM Cockpit Services – a suite of integrated IT solutions – to centralize and manage air-to-ground communications for greater efficiency and collaboration.
Sébastien Fabre, CEO SITA FOR AIRCRAFT, said: “The financial impact of COVID-19 on airlines has necessitated more intelligent operations to optimise costs and ensure long-term sustainability. Our eWAS and AIRCOM® products are already helping passenger airlines become more efficient through the digital exchange of data and messages. These solutions can also be successfully applied to cargo airlines. We are delighted to work with AeroLogic as they pursue their digital vision.”