Client story Airline Outperforms Year By 245% With Data-Led Transformation
Since launching an Azure-led data transformation initiative, one of the world’s largest airlines has surpassed benchmarks with 10x efficiency gains and more.
By Insight Editor / 9 Mar 2024 / Topics: Cloud Microsoft Azure Digital transformation
Facts at a glance
Client industry:
Transportation
Challenge:
Optimize data platform operations across a network of 50+ countries and 250+ destinations.
Solution:
Strategic cloud migration and advanced data framework support for more agile teams and quick data insights
Insight provided:
- Consulting Services
- Digital Enablement
- Application Modernization
- Cloud platform migration
- Solution roadmaps
- Data framework support (cataloging, governance)
- DevOps support
- Professional Services
- Lifecycle Services
- Modern Workplace
Outcomes:
- Outperformed year-end goals by 245%
- 80% reduction in manual steps
- Drastic time savings for production teams— from one month to ten minutes
- Recognized as best in class by industry watchdogs
- Enhanced flexibility & scalability with cloud-first architecture
The vision: Unlock data potential for a world-class experience, from IT teams to passengers.
In the airline industry, competition is fierce, passenger expectations are high and the day runs on data. Even the slightest misstep can lead to negative publicity and impact the airline's reputation. For our client, cloud and data platform transformation is helping them rise to the challenge.
As one of the world’s largest airlines, our client recognized the need to optimize operations across a network of 40+ countries and 250+ destinations. The data platform that supports operations needs to handle requests at scale and perform reliably 24/7. Analysis is also highly critical. Analysts need immediate access to data, and to drive any tactical and strategic change quickly.
The airline industry operates on a hub and spoke system, where flights are connected through a central hub. For Insight’s client, that means a focus on impeccable timing.
A strategic investment in cloud
In 2019, the airline engaged with Insight to move its data engineering to the cloud. The initiative involved a massive cloud migration — one that ensured data security and no disruption to operations during the process. As a result, Insight has become the airline’s Azure migration and modernization partner of choice.
As part of this transition, Insight supported the airline by creating:
- Advanced data frameworks for efficient data ingest
- Strategic roadmaps for seamless execution
- Comprehensive support for cataloging and data governance
From flight schedules to passenger information, cargo, maintenance and safety records, robust data collection positions the airline to improve operational efficiency and enhance the customer experience.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed our client to go further, faster — with fewer people. Insight played a crucial role in helping the airline adapt and accelerate its digital transformation efforts amid resource limitations.
Building a community: A collaborative approach for success
To ensure the success of our client’s transformation goals, Insight and the airline’s data teams have built a culture of guilds and steering committees. This approach enables the sharing of knowledge, code and best practices — powering a cohesive and efficient journey with constant improvement at the core.
Navigating priorities: Use case snapshot
Insight’s teams are addressing challenges through strategic workstreams across key focus areas, from application and platform modernization, to expanding on the airlines’ DevOps capabilities, making data operations more efficient and beyond.
- Baggage handling/under-the-wing optimization
Data | Digital enablement - Customer hub app suite to improve customer experience
Application modernization | Cloud platform | Data - Crew management app suite for workplace efficiencies
Application modernization | Cloud platform | Data - Revenue & accounting
Application modernization | Cloud platform | Data | Digital enablement
The outcome: Faster, more agile teams & a data-driven advantage
Today, the organization has significantly reduced the time it takes to set up platforms and move critical data — reducing the number of steps by 80%. Before engaging with Insight, our client’s teams would spend almost an entire month on the platform setup process. Now, the process takes as little as 10 minutes.
“We took all of the steps that we had to bring the data into our environment, and we reduced the number of steps by 80% with the help of Insight. We went from four to six weeks to get a platform set up with data moving into our first environment — to as little as 10 minutes.”
— Airline Senior Manager of Data Engineering
Apps initiative and much more will take center stage. Insight’s teams stand ready to guide, strategize and support our client’s success.
The airline’s Senior Manager of Data Engineering reflects on the partnership with Insight’s teams:
“Being able to mesh inside different types of teams is very important. You are all amazing. You're world-class technologists. Some of the best reasons to bring in Insight is to be that unbiased third party. It's very important for us to get that feedback when we can't see it.”
“Insight cares about us, and cares about our outcomes.”
