CemAir embraces efficiency and streamlines operations with iPad

“The introduction of iPad to our workflow has taken our operations to new heights. Not only does this digitisation ensure the airline is keeping pace with emerging technology, but it has also elevated the entire business – in the air and on the ground in the office – to become more efficient, more congruent, and more sustainable.”

Iain Findlay, Director of Flight Operations, CemAir Proprietary Limited

Overview

As a licensed International and Domestic Scheduled and Non-Scheduled air carrier, CemAir operates throughout Africa and the Middle East. It is also a licensed Part 145 Maintenance and Repair Organisation, thereby maintaining its own fleet of aircraft in-house. The privately owned, limited liability company was established in 2005.

CemAir’s operational, maintenance, and administrative functions are executed at its headquarters, situated at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Its facilities include an 1800 square meter hangar, offices, and a 2000 square meter private apron. It currently owns and operates a fleet of 23 aircraft, including:

• CRJ 900 Airliners
• CRJ 100/200 LR Airliners
• Dash-8 Q400s
• Dash-8 Q300s
• A Dash-8 100
• Beech 1900D
   

With a focus on creating a comprehensive offering, CemAir places high value on delivering reliability, meeting the highest safety practices, and adhering to international standards across all operations.

The Need for Digitisation

With a dedication to consistent improvement, CemAir recognised the need to digitise its operations. In aviation, this is crucial to:

• Drive more streamlined and efficient operations, effectively improving the customer experience
• Promote employee productivity
• Connect teams and prevent the development of silos within the business, whether on the ground or in the air
• Reduce both costs and the risk of human error
• Ease the physical burden of paperwork, navigation documentation, and flight manuals
• Arm the crew with easy access to passenger information, and an enhanced communication system while in flight
• Develop a green airline, taking environmentally friendly practices into consideration in all facets of the business, driving sustainability
   

iPad Digitally Transforms Aviation

With the guidance of the expert iStore Business team, CemAir successfully migrated operations to iPad. With this move, in flight operations are bolstered, streamlining operations, and driving total practicality.

“We introduced the iPad over a period of around 12 months. With the help of the iStore team, we are now operating fully electronically. Our operations centre handles the flight preparation, loading the plans onto the iPad, and ensuring the entire team understands what is needed, when,” confirms Iain Findlay, Director of Flight Operations, CemAir Proprietary Limited.

While the flight preparation includes considering weather patterns and compensating where necessary, determining waste, and calculating fuel needs, the pilots also use the Jefferson App for the navigation of the aircraft – all handled on the iPad. The cabin crew are also empowered with near real-time information and enhanced communication capabilities on the iPad, dramatically improving the customer experience.

“One of the key benefits of using iPad in flight is the practicality of the product and its features. For the pilots, the navigation tools are advanced and always up to date. Aircraft performance calculations and flight specific checklists add to the professionalism that pilots and their crews can offer,” adds Sudesh Pillay, Executive Head of iStore Business.

Innovation Supports Productivity on the Ground

According to Shaniel Singh, Chief Sales Marketing Officer at CemAir,  by bringing the iPad onboard, iStore Business has supported CemAir’s business operations in multiple ways. “We have gone green in various aspects, now operating in a totally paperless environment. While this digitisation has resulted in less strain on flight deck crew - now carrying only iPads instead of multiple flight manuals that can weigh in at more than 11 kilograms - but our corporate departments are benefiting from improved flow and synergy in day to day activities too.”

For example, the CemAir sales and marketing team now uses iPad exclusively to:

• Streamline meetings, drive productivity, and enhance Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Provide a tool to engage with customers in a wholly interactive manner, with flexible marketing collateral such as videos, content, presentations, etc.
• Manage service tickets and easily access up to date information, such as customer records
• Enhance reporting, feedback from the field, and tracking capabilities
• Empower employees to log work off-site, limiting the need to come into the office and effectively eliminating unproductive hours
   

Pillay confirms that the iPad is proven to be a powerful sales enablement tool. “From capturing data and providing vital feedback on the run, to generating leads and offering ultimate convenience, the iPad offers immense agility and convenience”.  

Why iPad Was the Right Choice for CemAir

The iStore Business team equipped CemAir with the intuitive iPad. “After strategising with the CemAir team, we were confident that iPad was the right solution to drive its digital transformation journey,” recalls Pillay. “iPad offers immense flexibility and productivity. Its business-focussed apps and features ensure that this tool drives efficiency and professionality at every interaction.”

iStore Business Supporting CemAir, Digitally

Taking a partnership approach, iStore Business strategically planned the phased roll-out of iPad throughout the CemAir organisation. With a commitment to delivering the best possible Apple experience, and through collaboration with the CemAir team, the client’s key needs were identified and successfully addressed.

“Throughout the digitisation process, the iStore Business team offered expert advice – not only by equipping us with the actual iPads, but also ensuring we have the knowledge needed to get the most out of them and their features,” confirms Findlay.

According to Singh, this move has revolutionised the CemAir business from the ground up. “Through our partnership with iStore Business, the process of moving to iPad was seamless, cost-effective, and well-planned. The productivity and efficiency benefits that iPad has brought to our business are immense; as are the benefits of partnering with the iStore Business team.”  

To find out how iStore Business can help you find the right digitisation solution for your business, contact Sudesh Pillay: sudesh.pillay@istorebusiness.co.za.