Greater efficiency in refuelling
When it comes to refuelling, there’s always the threat of delays and inefficiencies negatively impacting on operations, punctuality and profitability. That’s why Shell Aviation has designed a suite of digital refuelling solutions that share a common goal - improved efficiency, leading to time and cost savings.
SkyPad Data Exchange
Based on the SkyPad tablet, used by Shell’s apron operators, SkyPad Data Exchange creates a paperless, end-to-end refuelling process. Utilising an API (Application Programme Interface), developed to IATA data fuel standards, SkyPad Data Exchange enables Shell and airline systems to share data. By connecting pilots with operators and back-office functions it allows them to electronically track, update and share information in real-time. From the initial fuel order and fueling activity, to invoicing and reconciliation, this direct exchange of data between SkyPad Data Exchange and an airline’s own system brings the following benefits. You can also hear directly from our airline customers here.
Our drive to provide airline customers with greater efficiency is centred around SkyPad Data Exchange, a fully digitised refuelling solution, harnessing technology to maximise efficiency and accuracy across all aspects of the refuelling process.
- Improved data accuracy and reduced admin
Currently, paper-based systems and manual handoffs on the apron mean it’s a matter of when, not if, refuelling errors occur. A single miswritten number can take hours to rectify where minutes cost money. SkyPad virtually eliminates the potential for human error on the apron, while the additional functionality of SkyPad Data Exchange reduces the potential for data errors throughout the entire refuelling process. - Avoid delays with a touchless apron
Refuelling processes based on manual sign off between pilot and refueler can inevitably cause delays. Pilots waste valuable time finding the refueler to update fuel volumes and refuelers then need to find the pilot to manually sign off final fuel amounts. By connecting pilots and refuelers in real-time, SkyPad Data Exchange removes the need for the pilot to leave the cockpit and can save between 8 to 13 minutes in refuelling time1.
Less Downtime, More Uptime with Shell SkyPad Data Exchange
Title: Less Downtime, More Uptime with Shell SkyPad Data Exchange
Duration: 1.31 minutes
Description:
Shell’s introduction of a product called SkyPad Data Exchange, which enables touch-less communication between the operator and the pilot in real-time.
Shell SkyPad Data Exchange Video Transcript
[Background music plays]
Bright, uplifting music
[Animated sequence]
The Shell SkyPad Data Exchange with Shell™ pecten logo appears, then fades. Airplanes appear in a blue sky with clouds.
(it is monologue only)
[Voice over]
Less downtime – more uptime.
[Animated sequence]
Everything disappears. Sandglass appears, and is spun upside down with a flick of a finger.
[Text displays]
Time & effort
[Voice over]
How much time and effort could you potentially save by digitalising your refuelling process?
[Animated sequence]
Everything disappears. Hands struggling to use various controllers appear. Multiple people have to get the data manually and input in systems.
(it is monologue only)
[Voice over]
Current manual processes bring inefficiencies in refuelling.
[Animated sequence]
Zoom into one of the controllers. Text appears, controllers slowly move.
[Text displays]
Avoid delays
[Voice over]
Data entry into separate systems increases the workload for airlines.
[Animated sequence]
View slides to another controller
[Text displays]
Idle time
[Voice over]
manual hand-offs result in idle time,
[Animated sequence]
View slides down to the last controller which breaks down.
[Text displays]
Errors
[Voice over]
and paper-based systems create plenty of opportunities for errors
[Animated sequence]
Transition into the next scene.
(it is monologue only)
[Voice over]
Overcoming these inefficiencies could save
[Animated sequence]
Clock icon appears. 8 and 13 minutes ranges get highlighted.
[Text displays]
8 to 13 minutes*
[Voice over]
an average of 8 to 13 minutes of refuelling turnaround time,
[Animated sequence]
Everything disappears. A few people icons appear. One and a half icons get highlighted.
[Text displays]
Free up staff
[Voice over]
Clears up staff to focus on more important tasks.
[Animated sequence]
Everything disappears. Stylised bars appear. Number estimation will stop once “90%” appears.
[Text displays]
90%*
[Voice over]
And improves data accuracy by 90%.
[Animated sequence]
Scene slides into the Shell truck refuelling the plane.
(it is monologue only)
[Voice over]
SkyPad Data Exchange is an end-to-end digital solution with the potential to transform refuelling operations.
[Animated sequence]
A tablet slides in. Pilot icon appears instead of the title and connects to various services icons, e.g. refuelling operator, plane, invoices, stats etc.
(it is monologue only)
[Voice over]
This solution is connecting your pilot to the fuel operative digitally, creating a truly paperless apron.
[Animated sequence]
A few toggle switch icons appear on the tablet screen instead of services icons. Shows pilot and operator icon while chat box icons appear on the side.
(it is monologue only)
[Voice over]
SkyPad Data Exchange adheres to IATA data fuel standards while enabling touch-less real-time communication
[Animated sequence]
Abstract online chat appears on the tablet screen instead of the toggle switches.
(it is monologue only)
[Voice over]
Increasing data accuracy and efficiency for your airline.
[Animated sequence]
Show operator icon and fuelling estimation and abstract icons.
(it is monologue only)
[Voice over]
Fuel figures are automatically tracked, updated and exchanged
[Animated sequence]
Animated transition into the next scene.
(it is monologue only)
[Voice over]
Shell SkyPad Data Exchange brings:
[Animated sequence]
Everything disappears. A few chat message icons and text
[Text displays]
Real-time connection
[Voice over]
An automated end-to-end touchless refuelling process that maximises efficiency
[Animated sequence]
A few chat message icons and text stays with check marks.
[Text displays]
Maximized efficiency.
[Voice over]
that maximises efficiency
[Animated sequence]
Everything disappears. Show invoice and fuel order document icons.
[Text displays]
Improved invoice accuracy
[Voice over]
And improves invoice accuracy
[Animated sequence]
Shell SkyPad Data Exchange title appears on the tablet screen.
[Text displays]
SkyPad Data Exchange
[Voice over]
Shell SkyPad Data Exchange is further evidence of Shell’s commitment to operational excellence
[Animated sequence]
Zoom out. A character holds the tablet and looks towards the parked airplane. Character taps the tablet to show Shelle logo.
(it is monologue only)
[Voice over]
While bringing efficiency to the fuelling zone in the safest way possible. For less downtime and more uptime.
[Animated sequence]
Zoom out to white background with the Shell logo.
[Text displays]
Find out how you can refuel more efficiently today at:
Shell.com/business-customers/aviation/more-time-flying
[Shell mnemonic plays]
[Background music ends]
Availability
SkyPad tablets are robust and intrinsically safe due to their shockproof and waterproof design, with an operating range from +50°C to -50°C. So far SkyPad has been rolled out to 141 sites across 23 countries2. SkyPad Data Exchange is available at all locations where SkyPad is deployed and is currently being trialed by a number of major airlines around the world.
Innovative Solutions
Shell’s pursuit of operational excellence and efficiency has led to a range of other innovative refuelling solutions. On Time Performance Analytics (OTP Analytics) collects and analyses data from airline arrival, refuelling and departure times to further improve apron efficiency. Our innovation team is also currently working on exciting new technology designed to speed up the physical refuelling process and assist in reducing refuelling times. Contact us to learn more.
1 Based on observed and recorded performance by ground operators using Shell SkyPad Data Exchange at Manchester Airport in November 2019
2 Data correct as at September 2020
Less Downtime, More Uptime. Download our infographic for more information
At a time when every second and every cent counts, inefficiencies in refuelling can bring delays, additional workload for your teams and extra costs, as well as potentially impacting passenger experience. Shell Aviation is pleased to announce our latest innovation: Shell SkyPad Data Exchange, an automated end-to-end touchless refuelling process powered by Shell SkyPad. Download the infographic to learn how you can harness technology to improve operational efficiency today.
Shell SkyPad Data Exchange Locator
Find a Shell Aviation location in which we could offer SkyPad Data Exchange by using the map.
Shell SkyPad Data Exchange – A pilot’s view from Cathay Pacific
Captain James Toye of Cathay Pacific shares his experiences of using Shell SkyPad Data Exchange to improve refuelling efficiency at Singapore’s Changi Airport.
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