KLM flies digitally with Belgian software 

Genk, 25 September 2014 – Soon KLM pilots will be flying using a digital flight folder. Using paper for weather messages and flight documents will thereby almost belong to the past. The deal implies a 50% growth for AvioVision, the Belgian software company behind the AvioBook app.

All aircraft of the Dutch airline KLM and KLM Cityhopper will soon fly using digital flight documents, thanks to the AvioBook ‘e-briefing’ app. Previously, pilots had to use several pages of paper per flight. Before departure, they printed all detailed flight information (flight envelope). The software of the Belgian company AvioVision now replaces this paper flight folder.

Digital Flight Folder

AvioBook digitizes this information, explains Kris Van den Bergh (CEO of AvioVision): “We offer a ‘digital flight folder’ whereby all relevant flight information is neatly presented in user-friendly modules on a tablet. As such, the pilot will have the most current flight information (e.g. about procedures, but also about fuel, weather, flight route, …). Overall, a major airline like KLM can save about 30,000 pages of paper per day.”

The software also includes a second, more important part: “During flight AvioBook also collects information, such as fuel consumption, the duration of the flight and any changes along the way. This information is then quickly made available to the operations office of the airline after landing, all while pilots were previously required to complete a report on paper after each flight,” says Kris.

KLM plans the first tests for mid-October. For the airline this project is part of a larger initiative in the field of optimization of work processes for pilots and operational support staff. The advantages are obvious: efficiency gains by simplifying logistics and reduced paper consumption.

Less delays for passengers

The digital flight folder is not only beneficial for pilots and for the airline, also passengers will benefit from this.

“Because the information available is more current, pilots can respond more quickly to changing situations,” explains Kris Van den Bergh. “When delays occur, the airline can react in a faster way. When the flight is for example diverted to another airport, the flight information for the next flight (e.g. data on the route, updated fuel calculations or actual weather) can be instantaneously exchanged. The preparation for the pilot is a lot easier, so precious time is won.”

The flight continues

The KLM contract is a milestone for AvioVision, the company behind Aviobook: “This is the culmination of four years of hard work. Earlier, we were able to convince Air Greenland, Thomsonfly, Air Arabia, Widerøe and Swiss Air Force. KLM, the world’s oldest airline, is the first ‘big’ airline that chooses AvioBook. By welcoming the 200 planes of the KLM fleet, we grow at once from 400 to 600 aircraft. There is an important achievement, and we adjusted our ambitions accordingly. By the end of 2015 we want to be providing our software to a combined fleet of 3,000 aircraft.”

In order to realize this growth path, the Belgian innovative software company is looking for reinforcement: “We are looking for five experienced developers in the very short term. By the end of 2016, we want our workforce to double from 25 to 50 employees.”

Only comprehensive EFB software suite worldwide

AvioVision is a pioneer in the business. Four years ago, the AvioBook development started, even before any tablets appeared. To continue this leadership role, Kris Van den Bergh is counting on three strengths: “Our software is similar to an accounting package, which consists of several modules. We are the only EFB software in the world that integrates all modules in one package, complemented by a strong back-office application.

In addition to that, is the software very easy to use. No wonder, as CEO Van den Bergh himself is still active as a part time pilot. “Finally, our patented software is now approved in nine countries,” concludes Kris. “You can not just start using software in an airplane. National aviation authorities must formally approve such software prior to operational use. Again here, we have a significant advantage.”

About AvioVision: Aviobook is a product of the company AvioVision. AvioVision was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Genk, Belgium. The producer of software applications, initially for aviation, currently employs 25 people.

More information:
Kris Van den Bergh
CEO AvioVision
+32 472 548 690
kris.vandenbergh@aviovision.com