News
Issue #2002 - 41 (October 2002)
(Updated Oct. 29, 2002)

APPLICATION SOLUTIONS and APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT 

Wireless "toolbox" Helps Improve Aircraft Maintenance at Air Canada 

Air Canada and IBM have jointly developed a wireless "e-Toolbox" system that facilitates aircraft maintenance by providing line mechanics wireless access to electronic documents and the Air Canada maintenance systems.

By using a combination of rugged, wearable devices, line maintenance mechanics access a customized Web portal, putting key maintenance data at their fingertips while working on an aircraft, preparing work for an inbound aircraft or trouble shooting outbound flights.

Responsible for routine, "quick-fix" items such as tire changes and audio system adjustments while aircraft are on the ground, line maintenance mechanics often have to make trips back and forth to the shop. They typically have to go to as many as 10 different sources to get information --maintenance and troubleshooting manuals, parts availability information and arrival/departure data. 

Robin Wohnsigl, President, Air Canada Technical Services, said, "The wireless e-Toolbox system offers improved productivity and a quicker turnaround time for aircraft undergoing maintenance, which ultimately leads to improved on-time performance. During test trials, this system has greatly reduced the number of visits to the central maintenance office to access computers. It also saves time by allowing mechanics to enter reports electronically rather than manually on paper."

IBM and Air Canada designed the wireless e-Toolbox application to support all the relevant maintenance, repair and operations data from Air Canada's legacy maintenance systems onto a Web Application Server This information is then carried via an IBM HTTP Server into a Web Portal and delivered over a secured 802.11b wireless LAN to the mechanic's ruggedized laptop.

Air Canada and IBM plan to market the wireless e-Toolbox application to other airlines.

For more information: http://www.ibm.com/pvc

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory:  This is a useful application of moving information to locations where no wires will reach but wireless will. A good wireless application for the airline industry.

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.