British Airways trials AI to reduce delays
British Airways has introduced advanced neural networks, known as artificial intelligence, to its airside operation at Heathrow Terminal 5 to help its people ensure every flight departs safely and on time.
Currently, when customers disembark an aircraft, British Airways’ ground staff manually check and record the details of eighteen different activities that need to be completed before the plane can depart for its next flight – including a thorough cleaning of the aircraft interiors, unloading and reloading of catering, luggage and cargo and refuelling. An issue affecting just one of these tasks has the potential to disrupt the entire process and delay the flight’s departure.
Now, using a network of cameras set up around the aircraft stand by technology start-up Assaia, part of IAG’s Hangar 51 start-up accelerator programme, artificial intelligence is employed to compare live footage of the complex turnaround process with the proposed schedule. If the technology detects any issues that could put the aircraft at risk of a delay, an alert is sent to the manager in charge of the turn within seconds via a smart watch, informing them of the issue and empowering them to take action to get the flight back on track.
In this first stage of the trial, British Airways and Assaia have installed four cameras on three stands at Heathrow Terminal 5 and as well as reducing delays, the airline is also able to collect data on every aircraft turn to help make its entire operation more efficient.
British Airways’ Director of Airports, Raghbir S. Pattar, said: “British Airways operates up to 800 flights a day to and from Heathrow; we run a highly complex operation so efficient turnarounds are critical to ensure all 145,000 customers travelling through our home hub every day enjoy a punctual departure.
“Artificial intelligence is a rapidly evolving area of technology and I’m thrilled that we’re the first airline in the world to harness it to further improve our customers’ journeys through the airport. We are the most punctual of the major short-haul airlines flying out of London and our commitment to introducing the latest technology to complement our outstanding customer service is how we will maintain our position at the top. We’re excited to introduce even more smart, tech-based solutions in 2020.”
“Our entire team is really excited to be working with British Airways – an airline that is prioritising innovation and sees the value of AI-powered solutions” said Max Diez, CEO, Assaia International. “We’re eager to work with the airline to maximise the potential that the technology has to improve operations.”
British Airways has also announced it was trialling driverless baggage vehicles at Heathrow as part of its investment in a safe, efficient and emissions-free airside operation.
You can view a video of the AI in action here.
Emirates to purchase more A350s
Even if you are a BA Executive Club member and collecting Avios and tier points you should still be interested in Emirates. If you book your Emirates flights on a Qantas codeshare you can still earn tier points and Avios as if flying Qantas. Most of Emirates Asian routes are available as a Qantas codeshare.
Up until recently, Emirates has been mainly focussed on the A380 and B777. Sadly business class on the B777 is a much worse experience with 2-3-2 compared to the excellent seats on the A380. Sadly they recently announced they will start to retire the A380s with a reduction in the number of aircraft to 90-100 by the mid-2020s.
To refresh the fleet they previously had announced that they would buy the A350 and at the Dubai airshow this week made a further purchase. Airbus and Emirates Airline have now signed a purchase agreement for 50 A350-900s, by adding an additional 20 to the original order at the airshow.
The order was signed at Dubai Airshow 2019 by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and Guillaume Faury, Airbus Chief Executive Officer.
HH Sheikh Ahmed said: “Today, we are pleased to sign a firm order for 50 A350 XWBs, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. This follows a thorough review of various aircraft options and of our own fleet plans. It is Emirates’ long-standing strategy to invest in modern and efficient aircraft, and we are confident in the performance of the A350 XWB.
“Complementing our A380s and 777s, the A350s will give us added operational flexibility in terms of capacity, range and deployment. In effect, we are strengthening our business model to provide efficient and comfortable air transport services to, and through, our Dubai hub.”
Sheikh Ahmed added: “This deal reflects our confidence in the future of the UAE’s aviation sector, and is a strong affirmation of Dubai’s strategy to be a global nexus connected to cities, communities and economies via a world-class and modern aviation sector.”
The A350 XWB offers operational flexibility and efficiency with up to ultra-long haul (17,900km) range. Its cabin is the quietest of any twin-aisle aircraft. The aircraft features the latest aerodynamic design, a carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Together, these latest technologies result in 25% lower operating costs, as well as 25% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions compared with previous-generation competing aircraft.
So what will business class be like on the A350? At the moment we don’t have any definite plans. However, if we look at what they are planning to introduce on their B777X, it may give us a clue. There will seats that are based on the A380 seats which are in a 1-2-1 configuration. They all feature aisle access and whilst not the most innovative product, pretty much suits all my needs for business class. You can read my review of the A380 business class seat here.
They will not have an onboard bar on the B777X so I think it is almost certain they will not have on the A350, although they could go for the same as Qatar with a bar top for laying out drinks and snacks to help yourself to.
Emirates have been trying to dial down the bling several notches with their latest designs so hopefully, both the new B777X and A350 seats will be a little less in your face. I certainly would be more inclined to travel with Emirates if they got rid of the horrible 2-3-2 configuration and went to all aisle access.
1 comment
1) BA – AI…I did not notice any refuelling but may have missed it as the film clip is in fast play mode! Of course, no mention of anyone with even a feather duster going on board. For an airline that cannot even get its website fully functional is this not trying to run (needlessly) before being able to crawl? All these gate stand processes are “automatic” and if one task stalls it is for a reason and it is unlikely that sending an alert to a remote person with a smart watch is going to change things unless they happen to have a replacement vacuum cleaner or a spare fuel pump in their car or came to work in a tow tug! BA specialise in RTS (real time stupidity) when it comes to management anticipating Customers’ desires – they prove it every time with every soft innovation that lasts weeks to a few months before reverting back due to impracticalities.
2) Emirates toning down bling? Are you kidding? Emirates is the sole world capital of “Bling” which makes it such a ghastly place to go now. Any thinking person will go to Abu Dhabi or Muscat or Manama for a true Middle Eastern experience with Western comforts. It would not surprise me if Dubai bought Stansted and used it as their sole UK hub!!
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