Page 31 - World Airnews September 2020 Edition

FUEL

END-TO-END TOUCHLESS

REFUELLING PROCESS

hell Aviation has introduced end-to-
Send digital integrati on with airline
customers through the Shell SkyPad - a
tablet that connects pilots and apron oper-
ators with cloud-based computer systems.
The development marks the next step in
Shell Aviation’s ambitions for a fully digi-

tised refuelling operation, harnessing tech-

nology to maximise efficiency and accuracy

across all aspects of the process.
The new functionality of Shell SkyPad data

exchange enables compatibility with a wide
range of airlines’ own digital platforms, al-

lowing integration with airline systems that
adhere to IATA fuel data standards.

Alongside this, Shell SkyPad has been operators, this latest innovation will help to pilot to take-off, the exchange between

enhanced with a new real-time communi- deliver smoother and safer operations for our Shell SkyPad and an airline’s own system

cations tool. This enables instant contact airline customers, using digital technologies means that potential issues during critical

between the apron operator, the pilot and to maximise efficiency and accuracy across moments of the refuelling process can be

the back offices, allowing them to elec- the refuelling process,” said Thomas de Boer, predicted and averted.

tronically track, update and exchange fuel head of operations at Shell Aviation. The transmission of progress milestones

figures throughout the refuelling process. Shell SkyPad, developed in collaboration throughout the entire process delivers flexi-

From an airline perspective, Shell under- with software applications specialist SAP, is bility, transparency and reliability. The airline

stands that the currency of refuelling is already benefitting many of Shell’s airline cus- knows instantly when fuelling has begun and

seconds. Airlines integrating Shell SkyPad tomers across its global refuelling network. finished and receives a notification of the fi-

data exchange can save up to 13 minutes International operator Lufthansa is the nal fuel volume right after uplift is completed.

during the refuelling process, which can first customer to integrate Shell SkyPad In addition, the pilot does not need to leave
minimise delays in turnaround time and data exchange into their systems. the cockpit to speak to the fueller in person.

associated costs. Kai Liedtke, head of fuel purchasing Having Shell SkyPad technology distribut-

Shell SkyPad data exchange can also deliver Lufthansa Group said, “Shell SkyPad data ed around the world enables Shell Aviation

fuel savings by optimising refuelling through exchange, a solution jointly developed be- to instantly connect to airlines’ systems at

improved data accuracy by up to 90%. This tween Shell, SAP and Lufthansa, is another any of the participating airports based on a

offers the potential to unlock significant important step into fully digitalising and single integration. This means Shell Aviation

financial savings across an airline’s fleet by automating the apron. The established can offer a simple, paperless solution to its

avoiding expenditure on unnecessary fuel. real-time communication makes the fuelling customers, which has added safety benefits

“With the global aviation industry facing process significantly safer, faster and more during this time when social distancing is

its most significant challenge in history as efficient. We strongly believe in the innova- paramount to contain Covid-19, with no

it starts to recover from the impact of the tive approach of Shell SkyPad data exchange additional admin required per location.

Covid-19 pandemic, we’re not content with and are convinced that this will make a sig- In addition, Shell SkyPad is safe to be

being simply ‘another supplier’. Minimising nificant difference on the e-fuelling market.” used anywhere on the apron, anywhere

delays in aircraft turnaround times and errors The real-time communication offered in the world: from the smallest airports to

in data transmission are two aspects that by Shell SkyPad data exchange means that some of the world’s largest, where multiple

contribute towards profitability. By improving aircraft do not need to be on stand as long. refuelling trucks and data sources need to

communications between pilots and apron From the initial fuel order from the be captured. Q
Earlier in the week this CASA
C295 on delivery to Kenyan DAC
Aviation made a fuel stop at

LMML. This is the second aircraft
of the type to join the fleet of the

East African carrier. The airline

operates a number of relief flights
for a wide range of NGOs as well

as for EU agencies. It is very active
in the Eastern Congo and South
Sudan. Photo by Andre Abela.
World Airnews | September 2020
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