DOHA: Qatar Airways (QA) has begun the roll-out of QLOUD, an internally developed mobility application for iPads, which will provide real time and decision-relevant information to its pilots.
Over 500 pilots have embraced the new technology with 500 more set to begin using QLOUD over the next few weeks. All 2,500 pilots are expected to be using the system by this September.
QLOUD allows pilots to check in for duty and retrieve important pre-flight information, such as schedules, flight plans, maps, weather information, details of the crew they are flying with, hotel and destination information and dispatch briefs.
This information is accessed at a time and place of their convenience ahead of the flight departure.
“We are continuously investing in mobile technology to provide our workforce with real-time information, when required.
“QA has always been and continues to be at the forefront of implementing technology to increase workforce productivity and efficiency and enhance customer service. “We have already rolled out an internally developed iPad-based mobility application, QRUISE, for our cabin crew which has been extremely successful,” said CEO Akbar Al Baker.
QLOUD also provides pilots with easy access to operational documentation.
Hard copies of flight operational manuals and regulatory documentation, which can easily run into thousands of pages, will become obsolete as soft copies will be made available on iPads.
Updates to documents will be completed automatically by distributing relevant operational manuals and updates to all pilots through QLOUD programming.
The paper-based forms, which were being filled out manually by pilots, have been replaced with electronic forms as part of QLOUD.
QLOUD also aids pilots in scheduling their training, keeping track of their certification and supports e-Learning. The platform provides easy access to corporate applications required by pilots, including their email, providing everything needed by the flight crew community on a single device.
With aviation authorities approving iPads for use in the aircraft deck, QA intends to enhance QLOUD to supplement and support on board Electronic Flight Bag technology. The Peninsula
