Whatever opinion one might have about AirAsia India, one thing is for sure, it is the most punctual airline in the country – a spot it has held for five consecutive months now, as per the DGCA data. And according to a new report, it’s an app developed by the Tata Group that has helped the carrier with this feat.
App behind the results
The latest data released by India’s aviation watchdog, the DGCA, reveals that AirAsia India has consistently performed the best in the punctuality department. In August, the carrier’s OTP was 93.3%, and it has been leading this category for the last five months. And we now know one of the reasons why.
AirAsia India has been the most punctual airline in India for the last 5 months. Photo: Getty Images
A report by Business Standard states that a data analytics-driven app developed by Tata Consultancy Service (TCS) has been the powering force behind the airline’s impressive on-time performance.
Work on the app – called RedSmart Plus – began in mid-2020 after AirAsia India performed a survey that highlighted the importance of flight punctuality as one of the top reasons for passenger satisfaction.
How does it work?
RedSmart Plus helps AirAsia India’s management monitor exactly how much time is taken for various tasks such as loading/unloading, aircraft cleaning, fuelling, and catering. The data is fed into it by ground personnel, and the app’s analytics function provides reports on projected on-time performance for the day, improving the airline’s operational efficiency.
The app’s intellectual property rights are owned by AirAsia India itself. A spokesperson for the airline told Business Standard,
“We have consistently embraced technology to deliver operational efficiency and enhance the guest experience. The introduction of RedSmart Plus has further enhanced live tracking of our inflight and on-ground operational processes.”
The RedSmart Plus app is said to be the reason behind the airline’s OTP. Photo: Getty Images
The report also quotes the opinions of Industry expert Ameya Joshi who believes that the airline’s limited operations and the fact that it uses single terminals at Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM) airports are also significant contributors to its punctuality.
But the airline maintains that it is the “robust processes, digital and technological interventions” that are powering the carrier’s OTP.
Challenges
It is, indeed, good to know that AirAsia India is leading in the punctuality department even as it faces several challenges. The carrier hasn’t seen profits since it began operations in 2014 and has amassed losses of around $325.69 million.
Recent reports also revealed that it has been relying on short-term loans in the last 6 months, amounting to around $77 million. But the Tatas seem hopeful for a turnaround in the future as they plan to merge AirAsia India with Air India Express for a consolidated budget entity.
Air India Express will likely merge with AirAsia India soon. Photo: Getty Images
The merger will likely start with the integration of information technology and passenger booking systems of the two carriers. The Air India Express system is likely to be moved to AirAsia India’s system, which is said to be better in all aspects.
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Source: Business Standard
Source: simpleflying.com
