What are the best strategies for making airline IT systems more accessible?

1 Use cloud computing

Cloud computing offers many benefits for airline IT systems, such as flexibility, cost-efficiency, reliability, and innovation. By moving their data and applications to the cloud, airlines can access them from anywhere, anytime, and on any device. They can also leverage the cloud's capabilities to improve their performance, security, and customer experience. For example, they can use cloud-based analytics to optimize their routes, pricing, and demand forecasting. They can also use cloud-based services to enhance their online booking, check-in, and loyalty programs.

2 Adopt open standards

Open standards are specifications that are publicly available and can be used by anyone without restrictions. They enable interoperability, compatibility, and collaboration among different IT systems, platforms, and devices. By adopting open standards, airlines can make their IT systems more accessible for their internal and external stakeholders, such as employees, suppliers, agents, regulators, and customers. For example, they can use open standards to exchange data and information with other airlines, airports, and authorities. They can also use open standards to provide consistent and seamless services across multiple channels and touchpoints.

3 Implement user-centric design

User-centric design is an approach that focuses on the needs, preferences, and expectations of the end-users of an IT system. It involves researching, testing, and iterating the system's features, functions, and interfaces to ensure that they are easy to use, understand, and navigate. By implementing user-centric design, airlines can make their IT systems more accessible for their diverse and dynamic user groups, such as pilots, crew, ground staff, maintenance workers, passengers, and security personnel. For example, they can use user-centric design to create intuitive and responsive dashboards, apps, and websites that enhance the user experience and satisfaction.

4 Embrace digital transformation

Digital transformation is the process of using digital technologies to change the way an organization operates, delivers value, and competes in the market. It involves rethinking and redesigning the organization's culture, processes, and business models to leverage the opportunities and challenges of the digital era. By embracing digital transformation, airlines can make their IT systems more accessible for their current and future needs, goals, and scenarios. For example, they can use digital transformation to automate and streamline their workflows, improve their decision making and agility, and create new products and services that meet the changing demands and expectations of their customers.