5 ways to optimize flight operations with TeamViewer Tensor

Airlines delay or cancel millions of flights each year. Sometimes poor weather is to blame. Other times, it’s maintenance issues or, in the case of one British Airways flight, a lack of toilet paper. Funny as that might sound, the issue caused hours of delays and cost the carrier GBP 290,000. In 2022 alone, airlines sustained losses totaling USD 45 billion.    

Facing staff shortages and supply chain issues, software outages, and fuel cost volatility, airlines have no choice but to make flying far more efficient. That might mean digitizing ground operations to turn around late-arriving aircraft faster. Or using advanced analytics to optimize refueling. Many are looking for opportunities to streamline supply chain logistics and maintenance processes.

The Airbus success story comes to mind. By turning to a digitized, AR-enabled inspection process, Airbus Helicopters Inc. improved gearbox inspection times by 40%, while cutting manual input errors to zero. This is but one of the ways that airlines can optimize their flight operations with TeamViewer Tensor. 

In this article:

1. Enhance communication between ground control and pilots

2. Streamline pre-flight checks and inspections with remote visual assistance

3. Improve aircraft maintenance and diagnostics

4. Cabin crew management and communication

5. Train the next generation of aviation professionals

Realizing a more efficient, sustainable future for aviation

Summary

The pilot-to-ground-control communication pipeline is a critical aspect of safe and efficient flying.  TeamViewer Tensor facilitates crystal-clear audio and video calls between ground control and pilots—in real time—enabling smoother coordination and information exchange.

This includes the ability to share visuals in real time. During conversations, pilots can share live video feeds from the cockpit, allowing ground control to see exactly what the pilot sees. This capability comes in handy during in-flight troubleshooting, particularly through the see-what-I-see view that helps facilitate faster, instrument-specific support.

Mechanics on the ground can use TeamViewer Tensor to virtually assist with pre-flight checks. Pilots ca share live video feeds of specific aircraft components, allowing mechanics to remotely inspect for any damage or signs of wear.

TeamViewer Tensor can also be integrated with digital checklists, allowing mechanics to guide pilots through the pre-flight inspection process remotely. Annotations and real-time feedback can ensure a thorough and efficient inspection. 

Streamlined pre-flight checks with remote assistance can lead to faster turnaround times for aircraft, increasing on-time departure rates. In the aviation business, turnaround time is money: slower times can lead to delays, increased fuel consumption, and even cancellations. 

Studies indicate that digital solutions like remote diagnostics can lead to a 10-20% reduction in aircraft maintenance costs. By resolving issues remotely, airlines can potentially save an average of USD20,000 per diverted flight. 

During MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul), drive efficiency without sacrificing compliance or safety. Instantly access any system, device, or database across the IT ecosystem, including: 

• Aircraft systems
• Production lines 
• Maintenance facilities 

Facilitate remote monitoring of various aircraft systems, including engines, sensors, and flight controls. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) in real-time to identify and proactively address potential maintenance issues that could lead to in-flight failures.

Using remote access and control, aviation technicians can take control of these assets from a distance to perform diagnostics and maintenance tasks, without the need for physical visits. This can lead to significant reductions in travel costs and carbon footprint.

TeamViewer Tensor facilitates real-time communication between cabin crew and ground staff through tablets or smartphones. This enables efficient updates on flight operations, allows crews to address passenger queries quickly, and ensures immediate assistance in emergency situations.

At the same time, use TeamViewer Tensor to distribute digital manuals, checklists, and safety protocols to all cabin crew devices. This ensures everyone has access to the latest information, promoting standardized procedures and improving safety. 

Finally, rely on TeamViewer to support more effective onboarding. The aviation industry faces a looming talent gap, particularly in maintenance and technical operations positions. A recent IATA survey underscored the gap in staffing levels for maintenance and tech ops positions. A remote connectivity platform can bring recruits up-to-speed faster, thanks to instant, on-the-job support.

Here's how TeamViewer Tensor empowers airlines to train the next generation of aviation professionals:

Remote onboarding and mentorship

Seasoned technicians can guide and support new hires remotely using remote access and control features. This allows them to provide real-time assistance, share visual aids, and offer instant feedback during maintenance procedures or troubleshooting scenarios.  

Imagine a new mechanic being guided through an engine inspection process by a seasoned professional located at a different facility—all through a secure tablet connection.

Augmented Reality (AR) training overlays

TeamViewer Tensor integrates seamlessly with AR overlays, creating a powerful training environment. AR overlays can be superimposed onto real-world equipment, highlighting specific components, procedures, and safety protocols. New recruits can then access these interactive overlays through tablets or smart glasses, receiving step-by-step visual guidance while performing real-world tasks. 

This immersive training approach accelerates learning, improves knowledge retention, and reduces the time it takes for new hires to become proficient. 

Scalable and cost-effective training delivery

Traditional, in-person training can be expensive and logistically challenging, especially for airlines with geographically dispersed operations. TeamViewer Tensor offers a scalable and cost-effective alternative. Centralize training modules and resources on a secure platform, allowing new hires to access them remotely at their own pace. This reduces travel costs associated with traditional training programs and ensures consistency in the knowledge base across all facilities.

Collaborative learning environment

TeamViewer Tensor fosters a collaborative learning environment for new recruits. They can connect with mentors and peers through real-time chat, video conferencing, and file sharing capabilities. This allows them to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from each other, fostering a more dynamic and engaging learning experience. 

The situation facing the aviation industry is complex; navigating it will require bold, digitally enabled solutions. 

Many airlines, such as Airbus (referenced above), are already shifting their focus away from legacy IT systems and manually intensive processes toward enhanced remote connectivity, real-time guidance, and centralized management and access control. 

With the right solution, the upside is considerable: 

• Reduce maintenance costs: Remote diagnostics and troubleshooting can potentially eliminate the need to dispatch mechanics for minor issues, leading to significant cost savings.
• Improve operational efficiency: Real-time fleet monitoring allows for optimized scheduling and resource allocation, while remote monitoring of inventories can streamline ordering processes and reduce delays.
• Enhance flight safety: Real-time support for pilots ensures immediate assistance for technical issues, faster decision-making, and potentially fewer safety risks.
• Boost training and onboarding: Bridge the skills gap and ensure a smooth transition for the next generation of aviation professionals.
• Drive sustainability: The wider adoption of remote maintenance technologies can lead to a reduction in CO2 emissions for airlines by minimizing unnecessary groundings and fuel consumption.

With respect to sustainability, great progress has already been made by the aviation industry. Since 1990, we’ve seen a 55% improvement in fuel burn per passenger, thanks to great advances in operational efficiency. How the airlines approach this next phase of industry progress could make all the difference for the way the world flies—and the future of our planet overall.

Summary

Airlines face delays and cancellations due to maintenance issues. TeamViewer Tensor helps with remote communication, visual inspections, and training, leading to smoother operations and cost savings.