INSIGHTS
Connected Aircraft | Flight Tracking & Data Analytics Platform
Background
Complex Data Management For Airline Connectivity
In the modern aviation industry, maintaining reliable in-flight connectivity is crucial for both operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction. These airlines rely on satellite internet providers to deliver consistent connectivity and in-flight entertainment that drives revenue. But monitoring and managing this service across thousands of flights can be a daunting task.
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Going from Data to Insight
Airlines required a robust platform to:​
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Track Flights | Monitor Connected Planes:
Track real-time data on thousands of flights daily.
Assess Internet Connectivity Performance:
Evaluate service levels and diagnose issues promptly.
Dive Deep into Data:
Uncover opportunities and address problems with detailed data analysis.
Solution
A Comprehensive, User-Friendly Data Platform
I worked on the design of a comprehensive data analytics and visualization platform used by major airlines globally. The platform provides a comprehensive view of flight connectivity, allowing airline managers to track real-time data on approximately 2,000 flights per day.
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This allowed them to diagnose issues, and analyze passenger engagement with the service.
Leveraging Familiar Interfaces
Users were used to the tracking applications used in airport control towers
The early-stage application was designed to resemble the control tower systems used at airports. Given the familiarity airline managers and other roles have with these platforms, we integrated similar features into the flight tracking systems. This approach ensured a smooth transition and intuitive user experience.
Challenges
Navigating the Complexities of In-Flight Connectivity
Volume and Variety of Data:
Massive Data Influx: Handle data from thousands of flights across multiple airlines.
Real-Time Updates: Manage constantly changing data that updates by the minute.
Intuitive Design for Niched User Types:
Intuitive for the Audience: Create an application that serves both technical flight staff and airline managers.
Niche User Needs: Cater to the specific requirements of a niche group of users.
User Prioritization:
Customization: Allow users to access priority information specific to their needs. Based on their role and goals.
Contextual Relevance: Understand and highlight critical information when needed.
Effective Data Visualization:
Insight Extraction: Provide tools for users to extract answers, patterns, and insights.
Visualization and Reporting: Implement effective data visualization, search, filters, and reporting features.
Dynamic and Unpredictable Data:
Adaptability: Support the unpredictable nature of real-time data.
Critical Insights: Enable users to see the most critical information in a live view.
Key Features
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Flight Tracking | Data Managament & Analytics
A visual timeline shows flights taking off and landing throughout the day.
Each flight is represented by a white bar with airport codes, flight numbers, and connectivity status indicated by color codes (green for good, orange for below standard, red for low, and grey for unknown).
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Aircraft Connectivity Performance:
The platform displays the percentage of internet service availability, allowing managers to quickly assess service levels against contracted agreements with satellite internet providers.
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Passenger Engagement:
Detailed screens illustrate passenger internet usage, including how many connected, used free services, or purchased premium packages, and how these numbers fluctuate over time.
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Breakdown of information by in-flight entertainment: Movies, Apps, Reading and listening and other supported apps, web surfacing, and more.
Interviews & User Testing:
For Operational Insights | Gaining a Deeper Understanding of Technical Staff and Airline Managers' Needs
I conducted moderated sessions and used analytic tools to understand how airline managers and flight technicians use the platform on day-to-day, including the challenges they face and what features are most important to them.
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The Product Evolved With Research & Feedback
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Automated real-time and on-demand insights
The platform provides automated insights in real-time and on-demand, highlighting the most critical information at any given time.
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Identifying issues that need quick action
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"Dark Flights" where connectivity data is not available.
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Aircraft with poor connectivity for a substantial portion of the flight.
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Situations indicating a need to check connection systems or update software and servers.
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Tracking the right thing and finding answers
Users can effectively search, sort, and filter aircraft data over extended periods to get the necessary information and make informed decisions.
4
Optimizing Airline Offerings &
Revenue Streams:
By analyzing passenger engagement with onboard wifi and in-flight entertainment (movies, apps, browsing, music, podcasts, audiobooks, etc.), the platform helps airlines optimize their products and revenue streams.
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Identifying Patterns and Opportunities:
The platform allows users to identify important patterns, notice challenges, and seize opportunities, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Outcome & Impact
Effective and timely information​
The platform continuously evolved based on user insights, leading to high satisfaction among airline managers and technical staff.
They praised the app's ability to help detect critical issues early, allowing for timely interventions.
Empowering Users with Critical Insights
The platform provided tools that enhance flight tracking and connectivity monitoring, empowering users to make critical operational decisions and efficiently identify challenges and opportunities.
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By creating a powerful yet user-friendly tool, we significantly improved the ability of airlines and flight technicians to manage in-flight connectivity and maintenance of their aircraft, ultimately boosting passenger satisfaction and revenue.
Design
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