The closed forum workshops, exclusively addressing the airpas user community, gave an in-depth insight in the enhancements and novelties of the system. Up-to-date topics such as new overflight functionalities, eMission, the airpas feature highlights of 2009 and the roadmap to a new airpas generation were presented as well as innovative features e.g. invoice handling 2.0 together with our partner Lattelecom BPO.

 
Representatives of our airline customers valued the opportunity to get a finer understanding of the different system features and the multitude of applications. The presence of the technical consultants and the one-on-one discussions following each workshop increased the interest in and extended the knowledge with the different airpas elements.  

The open forum afternoon session was also open to prospects, experts from or related to the aviation industry and press. Speakers from the well-know airlines Germania, SunExpress and TUIfly enlightened and entertained the audience with presentations on their experiences, strategies and key drivers for success.

 
Highlight was this year’s evening cruise on the 3-masts tallship “Thalassa” to join the festivity of the world’s greatest port festival “Hamburg Hafengeburtstag”. Airpas Aviation and its partner PROLOGIS AG jointly hosted this event for their guests.

Reinhold Heinz, Head of Accounting and Finance, described the motivation, expectations, decision and outcome of this project for the benefit of TUIfly:

Motivation
“Almost 200 people at TUIfly are involved in receiving, checking and confirming incoming invoices. Currently almost all invoices are handled in paper form - except electronic (EDI) invoices processed by airpas. Our goal is to streamline the process, increase transparency and reduce workload. The project will increase the quality of the overall process tremendously.”

Expectation
“Today information about the status of a paper invoice in the overall checking and approval process is not available when required. Furthermore, there is no guarantee for avoiding double payments.  If there was a workflow solution in place, similar to what we are implementing now with our partner Lattelecom BPO, double payments can be basically avoided.

One major requirement for the project was to utilize existing interfaces from source systems linked to our accounting system in order to avoid process changes, costs and additional risks, for example.”

Decision
“The decision to introduce the scanning process of handling incoming invoices at TUIfly was taken at a very early stage. Evaluating today’s market one will find that there are plenty of scanning solution providers, offering various services.

No other supplier is in a position to provide electronic data which can be used within airpas for automatic invoice checking and processing. The question arose as to whether there is a possibility to capture the flight-related information which is included in the annexes and appendices of paper invoices with the same technology. The answer is yes! As TUIfly has used airpas as invoice checking system for costs right from the start it was decided to carefully evaluate a process that  airBaltic  had introduced. This introduction included a partnership, starting in late 2008, where  Lattelecom BPO and Airpas Aviation developed a new model for paperless invoice checking. The unique data capture solution of Lattelecom BPO offers the ability to provide paper invoice information as IATA XML files to airpas. This gave Lattelecom an added value, which is, combined with airpas, a uniquely new solution to the market.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the fact that within a short period of time the added value of Lattelecom BPO has paid off. As of now, there are no specialized scanning services for our target group in the aviation market. The expertise and technical knowledge of Lattelecom BPO are invaluable to the airline industry. “

Outcome
“For the main benefits I would like to summarize the experience within the three target areas:

Cost reduction:-
Currently, most airlines are dependent on the electronic data provided by their suppliers. Now, if a supplier decides to make any changes to his electronic system, the airline customer must adopt their processes by amending the interface, resulting in additional expenses.

 
With the new scanning process implemented we are in the strong position to negotiate cost participation with the supplier as the airline is no longer dependent on the electronic data provided.

Time reduction:-
We have estimated 180-200 users are involved in and are affected by the new processes in their respective areas. In the future, an employee can display the invoice image on his screen whenever required. We can adhere to very short payment terms in order to more fully obtain discounts. This avoids unnecessary time and increases discount potential.

Avoid double payments:-
Double payments are not uncommon and airlines can easily identify a median range that averages in a 6-digits Euro amount for duplicate payments that have been paid just within a few years! Almost all of them can be avoided from the moment a workflow solution is in place. This result derived from the new solution and is key to what TUIfly is relying on.

In regard to the cost-effective scanning and workflow solution, besides the mentioned benefits in cost reduction, it is not just about expense cuts, but it encompasses a total quality project and management initiative, plain and simple.

TUIfly is ready for take-off!”

Edda Gauch, former CEO of GMI, who elected to implement the airpas solution at the carrier, said: “In recent years, Germania has grown from a wet-lease carrier to both a private tour operator carrier as well as scheduled airline. To support growth at the carrier, an effective solution was required to optimize our invoice reconciliation process as well as route profitability calculations. The decision to implement airpas came after a short and intensive evaluation phase of the main functionalities where the system easily confirmed the handling of our fundamental needs. The close partnership and productive communication between us and the Airpas Aviation team led to both a highly efficient and successful project implementation.”

 
The initial set-up phase was completed on target within 4 months. It included the import of data related to three main business areas which are ATC (Air Traffic Control), Fuel and Ground Operations for both Landing and Aircraft Handling. As interfaces to Germania’s operational systems existed within the airpas system, tables could be created with relative ease to import the operational data required for invoice reconciliation.

In addition, a cost calculation utility was configured for Germania´s specific need for a charter handling functionality. This supported the Germania team in promoting charter sales.

 
John Kohlsaat, Chief Commercial Officer at Germania, said: “The airpas system is a big step for Germania. The accuracy and level of detail is helping us in preparing budgets, evaluating flight revenues or driving individual seat sales. The flexible reporting tool within airpas allows us to evaluate precisely and translate assessments into business.”

 
Stephan Wilde, Director of Controlling at Germania and airpas implementation project owner, said: “The extensive know-how of the airpas project team in regard to airline processes and the conversion into the airpas system was invaluable during the implementation phase of the project. The airpas system now automates our previous routine of manual tasks and, in addition,  provides our team with high quality data which is now used for strategic financial management and decision making.  Streamlining these tasks resulted in better job satisfaction, as well as an overall positive motivation to work with the new system.”

Future aviation verifier Guido Harling, Managing Director of Tasc4Aviation, gave a detailed overview of the verifiers’ assignments and upcoming responsibilities. Not only will the verifiers audit the airline’s systems and processes monitoring proper reporting but also verify and accredit the per annum data. The latter requires not only a close evaluation of the airline’s internal data but the verifier will make use of external data as well, such as airport charges, fuel purchases and booking data. Harling concluded that final and consistent requirements by the assigned authorities are still pending, just like a list of accredited verifiers.

Eagerly awaited was the lecture of Ingo Ramming, Executive Director – Carbon Trade & Finance SICAR SA, Co-Head of Commodity Solutions of Commerzbank AG. Ramming shared his experiences of existing emission trading outside the aviation industry pointing out the differences of EUs, CRMs and ERUs. He recommended to the audience a timely preparation of trading and, moreover, to practice and evaluate the trading of EUAs and CRMs in small quantities and steps in order to gain sufficient experience prior to kick-off date.

Senior Consultant Sonja Waltering of Prologis AG, who has assisted numerous national and international carriers to complete and submit their monitoring plans, summarized the common areas of pain and rework. Airlines will need to focus on the first year of monitoring as the implementation of the submitted plans will most likely require the adaption of processes. Furthermore, Waltering stresses the necessity for airlines to test the pooling of data to ensure a quick set up of their reports. The generated data enables airlines to decide on their strategic directions in terms of optimizing the utilization of aircrafts, reducing the quantity of CO2, or adjusting the route networks.

 
André Beise, Project Coordinator Fuel & ETS Flight Operations of TUIfly/TUI Airlines shared his experience and effort to create the monitoring plan for the airlines of the TUI group. After collecting the data internally it was loaded into eMission and already the very first test runs confirmed that eMission can easily be used as an integrated solution for the entire topic of MRV.  “We gained positive experience with eMission’s efficiency reporting“, Beise reported, „because by using this information, the airline’s strategy for reduction of emission can be reviewed and optimized.”

Daniel Müller, Senior Consultant of Airpas Aviation, presented the latest features of eMission to the audience. eMission is a flexible solution which fully meets the requirements of EU-ETS imposed on airlines. The tool covers a wide range of capabilities such as individual reports on flight sector level, interfaces to common spreadsheet applications, and allowance management.

 
The workshop concluded with a lively Q&A session allowing the audience to discuss personal experiences in regard to EU-ETS and to place questions regarding Monitoring plans, verification, allowance trading and the beneficial usage of eMission.

German article in AeroBrief 42/2009

German article in Niedersachsen Aviation 15.12.2009

German article at NGlobal website

With the flexible software solution eMission Airpas Aviation provides en efficient, easy-to-use tool to the aviation industry to comply with existing EU-ETS and expected upcoming global Greenhouse Gas regulations.

 As an UN Specialized Agency, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is looking for a global sectoral approach for the aviation industry, targeting inter alia for:

- International aviation should be included in the post-Kyoto framework
- Aviation emissions should be accounted for at a global level
- Any scheme should cover CO2 emissions from aircraft, consistent with the Kyoto protocol
- The sector should be held accountable and pay only once for its emissions

 
It is anticipated that ICAO will finalize its working paper during the scheduled high-level meeting on international aviation and climate change in October. The working paper which is presented by Airports Council International (ACI), Civil Air Navigation Services Organizations (CANSO), International Air Transport Association (IATA) and International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA) forms the basis for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. Consequently, it seems almost impossible that aviation’s commitment to CO2 mitigation won’t become a global subject.

eMission fully complies with the EU-ETS rules and regulations. It comprises a wide range of functionalities and calculations, from flight-related factors like aircraft type, aerodrome pair and cargo weight to managing and reporting current and future fuel burn/CO2 emission data. Mandatory figures and flexible reporting methods, such as XML or Excel, can thus be easily provided and forwarded to the national competent authorities (Member State) allocated to each airline.

 
However, with the upcoming COP15 and the agenda points of ICAO there is plenty of thermal lift and movement regarding the topic of GHG reduction in the aviation sector. Consequently, eMission might become an indispensable support tool for the worldwide aviation industry to keep its promise on cutting CO2 globally.

Find out more about eMission

Susanne Bellin took the opportunity to meet with senior management and executives of various well known and fast-growing regional airlines to present the company and its software solutions.

In Kiev, Susanne Bellin and Ursula Silling, CCO of Ukrainian airline AeroSvit, signed a Letter of Intent to consolidate a close future cooperation. “At AeroSvit, we are proud to service the largest route network of all Ukrainian air carriers. It includes 60 international routes, which connect Ukraine with capitals, business centers and world renown resorts”, states Ursula Silling. “Consequently, AeroSvit looks into becoming an airpas and eMission customer in order to be fit for future growth and challenges.”

Susanne Bellin sums up her experience: “The Eastern European countries and Russia are fast developing regions and bear a lot of potential for Airpas Aviation. Airlines are extremely interested in keeping up and exceeding international competition. In a nutshell: airlines here are keen on implementing effective and successfully tested software solutions to promptly benefit from noticeable cost savings near-term.”

The photo shows Ms. Catalina Cullas (German Embassy in Kiev), Dr. Susanne Bellin (Airpas Aviation), Ms. Ursula Silling (AeroSvit) and Mr. Stefan Kapferer (Secretary of State, Ministry of Economy, Labor and Transport, L.S.)

View Russian interview on http://www.tochnee.ru/pages/novosti/ekonomika-6/2859

- A climate agreement that is definitive, equitable and effective
- Binding targets to cut greenhouses gases by 2020
- Establish a framework that will bolster the climate resilience of vulnerable countries and protect lives and livelihoods
- Support developing countries’ adaptation efforts and secure climate justice for all

Team members of Airpas Aviation participated in the online “Seal the Deal” climate petition to support global appeals for a definitive agreement and joint efforts on climate change.

Reinhold Renger, CEO of Airpas Aviation, states: „As a leading software provider for the aviation industry we believe that advanced technology is critical to climate change mitigation. Our mission is to provide the airline industry with innovative solutions and services that enhance their competitiveness while achieving the common goal of a greener environment. With eMission we provide airlines with a tool to easily comply with the existing EU-ETS and expected upcoming global GHG reduction regulations, as supported by ICAO. We at Airpas Aviation believe that only a joint, global approach of CO₂ reduction will lead to an economic, environmental and social sustainability.”

Join us: Seal the Deal & Let your voice be heard!

Conjointly, Lattelecom BPO and Airpas Aviation AG have already successfully implemented their first project of “Paperless invoice processing and cost control solution for airlines” at Latvian airBaltic. Ergo, the two companies combined forces to promote their beneficial and cost-saving solutions to airlines around the globe.

Press release "Signing Ceremony of Lattelecom BPO and Airpas Aviation AG"   

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