Viasat signs JAL for Aerodocs document management platform

Japan Airlines will adopt the Viasat Aerodocs document management system to support the airline’s safety and compliance objectives. The Aerodocs platform allows JAL to fully digitize documentation required for pilots as part of its electronic flight bag push. This includes editing, distribution and viewing of original equipment manufacturer documentation, critical flight reference handbooks, maintenance manuals, and operational manuals.

The system’s intuitive approach and unique capabilities ensures that critical information is maintained in the right place and is accessible at all times. Having the ability to manage workflows in a more integrated manner, along with tracking read and unread documents, delivers significant value in helping us enhance our safety.

– Captain Tatsuo Mori, vice president and chief pilot, Flight Operation Department, Japan Airlines

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Reducing costs, improving compliance

Dave Elliott, managing director for the Viasat Ireland office that oversees the Aerodocs product, highlights its ability “to improve compliance, provide operational efficiencies and streamline the complicated document management process from the ground to the cockpit.”

Compliance costs drop with the digital implementation as airlines can more easily ensure that all crew have a current version of any required documentation. The digital version also slashes the weight of documents carried on board. It is a small number against the total weight of an aircraft, but every little bit helps in shedding pounds and reducing fuel burn en route.

The companies also note that the digital manuals can reduce time to access critical checklists in an emergency situation.

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The JAL deal is the latest win for Viasat and Aerodocs. It follows on a similar contract award from Malaysia Airlines late last year.

Diversifying the portfolio

While the Aerodocs platform is not part of the connected aircraft portfolio that Viasat is most known for in the industry it does help the company to round out its offerings beyond just a fat pipe with plenty of bandwidth. Getting into the higher margin, value-added services is a strong play for the company. And it allows for the Viasat brand to deliver in markets where inflight connectivity is not yet a viable solution to sell, pending increased global coverage of the ViaSat-3 constellation coming online in the next few years.