Airlines rely on tech to improve operational efficiency

Low-cost carrier GoAir said it had joined hands with SkyBreathe eco-flying solution for fuel efficiency programme and carbon emission reduction.

New Delhi: Two airlines Tuesday said they have collaborated with different firms to improve its operational efficiency as the coronavirus-battered aviation sector seeks to offset the revenue losses.

Low-cost carrier GoAir said it had joined hands with SkyBreathe eco-flying solution for fuel efficiency programme and carbon emission reduction.

"This partnership will help GoAir become greener while reducing fuel costs and increasing competitive advantage," GoAir said in a statement.

Typically, fuel consumption accounts for as much as 30-40% of an airline's operating cost and lower fuel burn ultimately contributes to substantial cost savings.

Commenting on the development, Kaushik Khona, Chief Executive Officer, GoAir, said, "the biggest challenge for aviation in the future ahead is sustainability both economical and ecological, and he must be a leader of this new era. Flight efficiency services are an important part of the global aviation industry, helping airlines reduce costs significantly and help regulate emissions, which India has committed to reducing."

Kaushik Khona said that if we harness the power of digital technology to reduce fuel consumption, we can improve our competitiveness, lower our costs, save jobs and give hope to people in communities across our country.

In another announcement, Vistara airlines said it had launched a new upgrade programme in partnership with Plusgrade, which will enable its passengers to select whether to upgrade from economy to premium economy or business class through an online portal.

The new scheme is a way to "offset revenue losses experienced in 2020" and "leverage the higher capacity in superior cabins", Vistara said in a statement.

As per the airline, Plusgrade provides innovative revenue generating solutions for the global travel industry.

Once a passenger has purchased an economy or a premium economy class ticket, all he or she has to do is make and offer for a seat in the higher cabin class seven days prior to the flight's departure.

If your offer is accepted, you will be informed before your departure, the airline told its passengers through an email.

"Vistara's new upgrade program is expected to play a major role in building passenger confidence and loyalty in the long term. With support from Plusgrade, more passengers will have access to the personal space, comfort, privacy and high-end service that come with a premium experience," said Vinod Kannan, Chief Commercial officer at Vistara.

The aviation sector has been hit hard by coronavirus pandemic with airlines cancelling international flights and inconsistency among the state governments regarding quarantine rules for air passengers.

All airlines in India have taken cost-cutting measures by announcing pay cuts, LWP and firing of employees in order to conserve cash flow.

India resumed domestic passenger flights on May 25 after a gap of two months amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Since June 27, the government has allowed domestic airlines to operate at 45 per cent capacity. Before that, domestic flights were allowed to operate with only one-third capacity.