Air India’s Aeye Vision, a feature powered by Artificial Intelligence, for providing real-time trip updates to passengers has been qualified by aviation industry analysis firm OAG as one of the top three innovations by airlines.

In its latest rankings, OAG says that Aeye Vision is available on Air India’s mobile app and that it significantly enhances passenger convenience by providing real-time trip updates through computer vision technology.

Air India’s Aeye Vision

In a press statement, OAG says that it has listed Air India as the airline’s app now allows passengers to use their smartphone cameras to scan codes on their tickets, boarding passes, or baggage tags. It says that the app’s AI system recognises the content and enables several actions directly from the scan, such as viewing flight details, downloading boarding passes, checking baggage status, and selecting meal options.

It says that this functionality eliminates the need for manual data entry, which can be a frequent source of frustration, especially since passengers often provide similar information during booking and check-in processes. OAG says that though this initiative by Air India may seem like a small addition at first glance, but its impact is significant for several reasons.

It adds that the primary benefit of AEYE Vision is the convenience it offers, which is particularly valuable during stressful travel situations such as flight delays or disruptions. This feature simplifies the way passengers interact with their travel information, making it more accessible and user-friendly.

It says that the innovation smartly tailors the information and actions available based on the document scanned. For instance, scanning a baggage tag post-flight provides relevant details like the baggage carousel number or helps with locating lost luggage rather than redundant flight information. This context-aware approach ensures that the app delivers exactly what passengers need, when they need it, enhancing the overall travel experience.

So, while AEYE Vision represents a relatively straightforward technological addition, its practicality underlines the importance of incremental innovations in improving customer service. It is a testament to the idea that not all impactful innovations need to be large-scale mega projects; sometimes, thoughtful, common-sense features can significantly drive passenger satisfaction, adds the industry tracker.

United Airlines & Air France for free Starlink Wifi

United Signs Starlink Deal to Provide Industry-Leading Connectivity in the Sky – For Free

Among other innovations listed by OAG is the introduction of in-flight free Starlink Wifi by United Airlines and Air France. It says that both the airlines have announced plans to overhaul their in-flight internet services by introducing free Starlink WiFi onboard, starting in 2025.

It says that this ambitious move aims to end the era of choppy and often expensive in-flight internet, providing passengers with smooth, high-speed connectivity.

It says that Starlink, developed by SpaceX, utilises a rapidly expanding constellation of satellites to provide high-speed internet access. These small, low Earth orbit satellites offer extensive coverage and faster internet speeds, particularly over oceans, compared to traditional air-to-ground (A2G) connectivity. This is due to A2G’s reliance on terrestrial infrastructure and the challenges of providing sufficient bandwidth for every passenger streaming content simultaneously.

To enable Starlink internet, airlines must equip their aircraft with compatible hardware. The installation process for each aircraft is expected to take about 10 to 14 days,a significant investment in time but one that promises substantial returns in passenger satisfaction.

Once equipped, passengers on United and Air France flights will have access to free, high-speed WiFi during their journey, enhancing their travel experience with reliable internet connectivity, says OAG.

It adds that the development is significant for several reasons. First, while United and Air France are not the first to adopt Starlink technology, with airlines like Qatar Airways, JSX, Hawaiian Airlines, AirBaltic and Air New Zealand already onboard, their status as major industry players could standardise high-speed connectivity as an essential service rather than a premium option.

It says that while traditionally, airlines have generated significant ancillary revenues from charging for in-flight WiFi. By offering high-speed internet for free, United and Air France are prioritising customer satisfaction over direct revenue, aligning with passenger expectations that onboard WiFi should be complimentary.

KLM’s Virtual Reality retraining tool

KLM cabin crew

The third innovation listed by OAG is introduction of an innovative Virtual Reality programme by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines that is designed to help cabin crew transition back to work after extended absences, such as illnesses or maternity leave. It says that this unique virtual-reality application simulates a complete workday and identifies reintegration challenges.

It says that cabin crew members use VR headsets to immerse themselves in a simulated work environment that replicates a typical day on the job. This setup is designed to identify any potential challenges these employees might face when reintegrating into their roles. Based on the outcomes of the VR assessment, targetted support and training are provided to address specific needs, ensuring crew members are fully prepared and confident to return to work, says OAG.