Checking in with easyJet

This last week easyJet has taken the opportunity to share some of their recent developments with the public in what seems to be becoming a yearly tradition. For select group of the press an event in an aircraft hangar in Milan contained a demonstration of some of the research alongside a positive attitude and some beaming pride in what easyJet has achieved.

EasyJet has the reputation of being a better quality of low end travel providing something of a bus service to popular areas in Europe. Whilst maintaining a steady and commendable reputation easyJet has a lot of interesting developments happening behind the scenes to reduce time for which their planes are out of action and efforts to reduce costs across the board to pass on to the customers.

One of the first innovations easyJet are proud to demonstrate is a simple but cost efficient inclusion. Oculus Rift can help engineers determine problems by posting virtual notes to areas in need of repair around a virtual aircraft. There was also reference made to cabin staff receiving training via the wearable goggles. This does not seem to be a massive stride however from easyJet’s internal point of view there is potential.

EasyJet are upgrading their application. Throwing in a few new features to keep their app fast and easy to use, not to mention a handy tool to cover everything you might need from your flight experience. For starters the app has been reformatted for 64 bit architecture to keep it running lightning fast.

Secondly, a new feature will allow the user to receive updates about their flight including notifications from the likes of Periscope if there has been a disruption. A helping hand has been extended to the user to guide them through the airport to find their gate, at the moment this only works in Gatwick however the are rolling it out to their busiest 10 airports and they hope to have it in place by launch in July.

Whilst it sounds alarming easyJet demonstrated their ability to print parts for their aircraft. Rather than having to pay for costly replacements a process is being finalised whereby easyJet can utilise some cutting edge 3D printing technologies and first class materials to manufacture their own parts. Whilst this is a time consuming process the cost implications will be notable without any impact on safety.

Two years ago easyJet demonstrated their drone scanning ideas to scan a plane in minutes to access damage that would normally take a the human eye a few hours. The drone technology is constantly evolving and new developments are being made at a refreshing rate. Safety seems to be the focus this year with collision detection being a new addition. Not only for the drone to keep a close yet safe distance from the surface of the plane but for Engineers who might be working within close proximity to the plane and drone at the time of scanning.

It is refreshing to see a company that may not have a reputation for innovation, yet easyJet has become an example of proactive development, not only in cost saving but technological advancements. Their model is interesting and somewhat commendable.