In March 2022, the Indian Airline major Vistara, owned by TATA-SIA (Singapore Airline Limited) Airline Limited became the first in India to implement RFID Technology for tracking crucial equipment, life vests, etc. on their planes and to ensure timely maintenance activities.
RFID technology is capable of transforming various operations including airport operations like baggage handling. RFID technology is, as mandated by IATA, being used for tracking baggage and it has led to reduced cases of flyer’s baggage being lost in transit. Airlines across the globe which spend billions of dollars to look for lost baggage and compensate the flyers are now benefitting from the real-time visibility that RFID technology and RFID tagging of bags/luggage provides.
In Aviation Industry, there are various operations and movement of crucial parts, moving from one place to another. Manual, spreadsheet-based tracking of essential instruments, machines, airline parts, and accessories doesn’t provide complete visibility and leads to inefficiency, lack of safety, and high costs.
RFID technology can be used to tag each and every item, including customer baggage to ensure accurate tracking and minimize error. RFID tag, which is a small label or hard tag made of ABS plastic contains a microchip and antenna. The microchip contains crucial details about equipment, name, serial no, repair dates, location, etc. An RFID handheld reader can be used to scan RFID-tagged assets and locate crucial components at will.
An RFID-based tool tracking system is leveraged to streamline the tracking and tracing of airline equipment and track their location as well as maintenance schedules.
Vistara Airline Implementing RFID Technology
Vistara Airlines is the first Indian airline to implement RFID-based equipment and maintenance checking and repair. Leveraging RFID technology, Vistara can now track the availability and expiration dates of emergency equipment on the airline’s entire fleet of Boeing aircraft and Airbus.
The use of RFID in tracking emergency equipment is aimed at improving the safety of flyers boarding Vistara Airlines. Emergency equipment like life vests, anti-exposure jackets, etc. on an aircraft can be easily located and audited in minutes which earlier took 2-3 hours. Similarly, the presence of an Oxygen generator can also be checked and verified, just in 30 seconds.
RFID handheld readers like the Zebra RFD40 Reader, offer great read rate (1300+ tags per sec) and durable build quality. These devices offer great handgrip and staff can carry it for longer periods for scanning purposes. The adoption of RFID not only streamlines operations for airlines but also enhances safety for passengers and crew alike.
Benefits of RFID Technology in Aviation
RFID tagging of equipment, bags and emergency kit with RFID labels offers several benefits for airlines as well as passengers. Some of these are as follows:
a. Tracking Emergency Equipment
Emergency equipment, including life vests, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits, must be readily available and in operational condition on every flight. RFID technology allows for real-time tracking of these critical items. Airlines can tag emergency equipment with RFID labels and efficiently monitor inventory levels, ensure that all equipment is present before departure, and conduct quicker inspections during routine checks. It reduces the likelihood of human error, ensuring that no vital equipment is overlooked or misplaced.
b. Management of Crucial Tools and Parts
Airplanes require a myriad of tools and parts to operate safely. RFID systems can be used to track maintenance tools, spare parts, and components throughout the aircraft lifecycle. For instance, maintenance teams can scan tools and parts as they are used or replaced, automatically updating inventory records. Real-time visibility helps prevent the loss of equipment, reduces downtime, and ensures that the necessary parts are available when needed, thereby optimizing maintenance schedules and enhancing operational efficiency.
Benefits of RFID for Airlines
For airlines, integrating RFID technology into their operations offers several advantages:
1.Cost Reduction
By minimizing the loss of equipment and streamlining inventory management, RFID can lead to significant cost savings. Reduced manual tracking also lowers labor costs associated with inventory management.
2. Increased Efficiency in Data Capture with RFID
RFID systems facilitate faster and more accurate data collection, reducing the time spent on inspections and inventory audits. The efficiency allows maintenance crews to focus on more critical tasks, thereby improving overall operational efficiency.
3. Data Analytics with RFID in Aviation
The data collected through RFID systems can be analyzed to identify trends, optimize maintenance schedules, and enhance resource allocation. Airlines can make informed decisions based on real-time data, leading to improved operational strategies.
Benefits for Passengers: Baggage Tracking in Real-Time
Passengers stand to benefit significantly from airlines' adoption of RFID technology.
The use of RFID labels for tracking passenger luggage and to get real-time visibility of the same, from check-in to check-out, locating the baggage on the ramp, whether it is onboard or not, etc. The enhanced tracking of emergency equipment ensures that safety protocols are adhered to rigorously. Knowing that all emergency tools are accounted for and functioning correctly instills greater confidence in passengers regarding their safety during flights.
Moreover, the reduction in flight delays due to quicker turnaround times—thanks to streamlined maintenance and inventory checks—improves the overall travel experience for passengers. The increased reliability of flight operations fosters customer loyalty and trust, which is essential in the competitive aviation market.
Safety Implications of RFID Implementation in Aviation
Safety is a paramount concern in aviation, and RFID technology plays a crucial role in enhancing it. By ensuring that emergency equipment is always accounted for and accessible, RFID mitigates risks associated with aircraft emergencies. Moreover, the technology helps ensure compliance with regulatory requirements regarding equipment checks and maintenance, contributing to a culture of safety within airlines.
To conclude, RFID technology has established itself as an invaluable asset in the aviation industry, particularly in tracking emergency equipment, crucial tools, and parts on airplanes. The benefits for airlines—ranging from cost reductions and increased efficiency to enhanced data analytics—directly translate into improved safety and satisfaction for passengers.
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