How Covid-19 is driving innovation for airline disruption management
Over the course of the past year, the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown the world into disarray. Entire industries have ground to a halt; international travel has receded to its lowest level in 75 years and nearly all the world’s leading economies are in a recession. This has forced organisations and workers in almost every industry to reinvent the wheel in an effort to adapt to one of the most challenging waves of disruption since the second world war.
Arguably one of the hardest hit – and most hard-pressed to adapt – is the aviation industry. Fortunately, though, science and technology have advanced considerably since 1945, and aviation has been at the forefront of innovation ever since. Now, as the pandemic forces change in all aspects of society, innovation is playing a starring role in enabling us to respond and rebuild for recovery.
Innovation means simplicity for passenger disruption management
Innovation does not always come in the form of ground-breaking or inspirational developments. The pandemic has also forced airlines to take stock and dispense with archaic inefficiencies to save money and streamline operations and has highlighted the key role digitalisation has to play across all aspects of the airline business.
According to a recent report by The Economist Intelligence Unit ‘Into the New World: The Covid-19 Pandemic’s Impact on Innovation’, for the airline industry, the pandemic has changed the shape of technological adoption, driving a re-evaluation of priorities for technological development and a preference for third-party, off-the-shelf solutions.
In the US, for example, during the pandemic there has been pressure on airlines to collect comprehensive passenger data and share it with public health authorities to enable more effective contact tracing. Airlines’ data management systems are not equipped to collect this additional information, and overhauling these systems is too time-consuming and expensive. Airlines have thus turned to third-party apps to collect the necessary data from passengers.
This preference for outsourcing rather than a more permanent transformation of outdated systems illustrates the direction in which innovation is heading in this sector.
At Get-e, we have built our business around this knowledge. We have completely automated the manual processes behind crew transportation, bringing airlines a reliable product that allows crew managers to book and track crew transfers quickly and efficiently. Crucially, moving crew management online gives airlines transparency over incurred costs, and because of our global vetted supply and volume, we can source the best pricing for airlines, taking this burden from their hands.
Now is the time for disruption management software to enter the market
If there ever was a time for disruptive technology, it is now. An unpredicted outcome of the crisis is that it has motivated organisations to accelerate plans for technology development, and governments to waive regulatory requirements, ushering in a new era of post-pandemic product innovation.
While one benefit of digitalisation is operational efficiency, it also improves passenger satisfaction. Communication is a key component for reputation building – keeping passengers updated when
airline disruption occurs is crucial and going digital is an easy way of getting information to those affected quickly. That’s why in 2021, in conjunction with our airline partners, we are developing airline disruption management software to enable flight operations teams to quickly and efficiently source and book alternative transport and accommodation for passengers when a flight has been diverted to an alternative airport, or delays occur.
Our platform easily integrates with airlines’ systems, enabling them to have full visibility over where their passengers and crew are at all times, and can quickly resolve unexpected issues. The technology can also be used to provide travelers with push notifications through an airline’s app, keeping them updated about the details of their onward journey. Not only does this save airlines money in terms of administration time and possible compensation, but also ensures passengers leave with a positive view of the airline, even if there is disruption.
We believe this new product will completely revolutionise airline disruption management, and alongside many other developments expected in the market, work together to create a smoother overall experience for passengers. Customer confidence and reputation will be vital as the travel industry gears up again in late 2021 and having a digital approach to processes such as disruption management will set airlines one step apart from their competitors.
Company profile
Get-e is the provider of choice for airline crew accommodation. Airlines partner with Get-e for its expertise in the global accommodation market. Airlines also appreciate Get-e’s ability to streamline operational processes. In addition, airlines experience a higher quality of service. Further, airlines spend less administrative time on crew transportation. As a result, airlines operate more cost-effectively.
Currently, airlines can book their crew transportation with Get-e globally. Get-e offers transportation services in 110 countries and more than 900 destinations. Besides, clients enjoy a complete cross-section of safe and secure vehicles. Get-e’s fleet includes, such as Sedans, Minivans, Sprinters, and Coaches.
If you’d like to find out more about Get-e, pick up the phone to speak to one of our advisors. For a call, you can reach us 24/7 at +44 203 856 8655. For a digital approach, get in touch via our contact page.
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