BA CityFlyer Commences Live Operation With OASES ETL Interface

Jan. 10, 2013
By facilitating the transmission of real time data from the ETL installed on the flight deck, the interface enables faster resolution of defects allowing for proactive maintenance rather than reactive maintenance after the event.

Commsoft, a world leader in aviation engineering and maintenance systems, has successfully developed a bespoke interface for its client BA CityFlyer that connects NVable’s Appixo Electronic Technical Log (ETL), recently fitted on every aircraft in the BA CityFlyer fleet, with Commsoft’s OASES, the MRO IT system used by the airline. The interface between Appixo ETL and OASES went into live operation across BA CityFlyer’s airline network in mid-November 2012.

By facilitating the transmission of real time data from the ETL installed on the flight deck, via GPRS packets to a ground server and onward to OASES, the interface enables faster resolution of defects allowing for proactive maintenance rather than reactive maintenance after the event. The transmission of operational as well as engineering data also provides additional benefits such as potential fuel savings from better fuel management.

Mark Leather, Continuing Airworthiness Manager, BA CityFlyer stated: "The auto feed of our Electronic Technical Log data into OASES gives us real-time data, enabling us to monitor the reliability of our aircraft in a more proactive manner and gives greater visibility to all areas of our business. This supplemented with a reduction in data-input workload further increases our efficiency. The forward-looking and innovative approach taken by Commsoft and NVable coupled with their good understanding of our business enabled us to achieve these goals in a relatively short timescale."

Working in co-operation with NVable, Commsoft developed the interface in two stages – the first stage focusing on the transfer of flight, sector and fluid uplift data and the second stage dealing with engineering defect and component change data.

Nick Godwin, Commsoft’s Managing Director, commented: “The potential to integrate data from a wide range of sources is one of the key benefits of OASES. The Commsoft Team were delighted to have the opportunity to work with NVable, demonstrating that potential for BA CityFlyer. Feedback from our users is vital in shaping the direction of our ongoing development work on OASES.

Cameron Hood, CEO of NVable, added: “One of the great advantages of the Appixo ETL is derived from automating the feed of data into the MRO System – which is where that data needs to be! We have enjoyed working with Commsoft on delivering an integrated solution for BA CityFlyer and very much look forward to working together in the future.”