“Cabin crew, prepare for take-off!” and “Cabin crew, prepare for landing!” We often hear these two notes from our flight captain. Then, there are stewardesses helping and guiding us during onboarding, in-flight, and deboarding. But there’s more to airline services than what meets the eye.
Airline service providers rely on mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and rugged handhelds to facilitate various tasks, from ticketing and boarding to maintenance and in-flight services. These devices are indispensable tools, but their effective management is crucial for seamless airline services. Mobile Device Management (MDM) plays a pivotal role in addressing the specific needs of airline services.
This blog reflects on some features and points that highlight the importance of an MDM solution in catering to the unique requirements of airline services—ground and sky.
Let’s take off!
Why Airlines Need Mobile Device Management
An MDM solution has much to offer to personnel managing the IT operations of airline services. Whether an established airline with services worldwide or a domestic, new-entrant LCC, leveraging an MDM solution turns on the efficiency switch of IT operations.
Enhanced Security
Data and device security is a necessary concern for airline services. With MDM, airline IT admins can enforce security policies on all mobile devices to safeguard sensitive information and maintain data integrity. Security features of an MDM solution encompass passcode policies, device encrytion, and peripheral control, among others. If a device is lost or stolen, IT can remotely lock or wipe it, preventing unauthorized access to the airline’s critical data.
Bulk Device Enrollment
An MDM solution stacks plenty of bulk enrollment options for large device fleets irrespective of the OS or device type. Airline IT admins may opt for OOB (out-of-the-box) to minimize effort and save time. Based on the OS, admins can go for Android Zero-touch, Windows Autopilot, and Apple DEP. Low-effort bulk enrollment ensures devices are good to go without any end-user involvement.
Streamlined Device Provisioning
MDM simplifies the process of device provisioning, ensuring each device is configured with the proper settings and applications. This is especially crucial for new employees or when you need to replace a malfunctioning device quickly. MDM enables remote patching and updates for apps and OS, reducing the need for manual configurations.
Remote Troubleshooting and Support
Technical issues with mobile devices can disrupt operations. MDM allows IT administrators to troubleshoot problems remotely, reducing downtime and improving the passenger experience. In-flight services, for instance, can be swiftly restored with remote device management.
Asset and Expense Management
Keeping track of mobile device assets and associated costs is essential for efficient budgeting. MDM enables airline IT teams to monitor device usage, track expenses, and optimize device inventory, leading to informed decisions about mobile device strategy.
Location Tracking and Geofencing
Airline services often require devices in specific locations, such as at the gate, baggage handling areas, or aircraft maintenance zones. MDM solutions can offer location-tracking and geofencing capabilities, allowing administrators to create virtual boundaries and monitor device usage in designated areas. This feature enhances security by ensuring devices are used only in authorized zones, preventing unsolicited access or usage.
Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) Support
Many airlines have adopted mPOS systems for in-flight sales and other transactions. MDM can assist in managing these devices, ensuring they are equipped with the latest payment processing applications and enabling secure financial transactions.
Compliance with Aviation Regulations
The airline industry is highly regulated, and compliance with aviation standards is a top priority. MDM solutions can enforce aviation-specific compliance policies, such as ensuring cockpit devices meet rigorous safety and security standards. This ensures the airline complies with regulations, preventing potential fines and operational disruptions.
Data Usage Optimization
Airline services generate vast amounts of data, from passenger manifests to flight schedules. MDM tools can help manage data usage efficiently, reducing unnecessary costs associated with excessive data consumption, especially when devices are used in roaming scenarios. This can be achieved with the help of automated alerts set for data usage compliance.
App & Content Management
Airline staff must have access to the right apps and content constantly and on the go. Any hiccups here can not just disrupt operations but hamper customer experience as well. Thus, one of the key benefits of MDM software is the ability to manage apps and content seamlessly. Pushing digital versions of cockpit, security, maintenance, and staff training manuals, among others, to managed devices becomes centralized and simplified with MDM.
Deploying an MDM solution helps airlines manage apps on managed staff devices. The app requirements of staff may vary based on their roles. With MDM, admins can silently install, uninstall, and update apps on devices. Allowlisting and blocklisting of apps streamlines app management further while improving security and productivity.
Kiosk Mode Lockdown
Some airline services require devices to be locked down to specific applications or functions. MDM solutions provide customization options, including single and multi-app kiosk modes. Kiosk mode enables restricted usage and ensures devices are dedicated to their intended tasks, minimizing distractions and improving efficiency.
Passenger Information and Entertainment
For in-flight services, providing passengers with entertainment and information is essential. MDM can help manage devices that deliver in-flight entertainment and passenger information systems, ensuring content is up-to-date and accessible during the entire flight. These devices can be locked to specific, safe apps for secure browsing. For customer privacy, airlines’ IT can run such device browsers in incognito mode or clear browsing history on completion of flights.
| Explore airport device management using MDM |
Choose Scalefusion MDM for Airline Services
The airline services is a competitive space where operational excellence is decisive. With an MDM solution, airline service providers can streamline IT operations and ensure staff productivity and data security. Scalefusion MDM offers all the discussed capabilities to make airline services more efficient on the ground and in the air.
Contact our experts to schedule a demo and experience how Scalefusion MDM can transform the IT operations of airline services. Get started by signing up for a 14-day free trial today!
