Acron Aviation launches Astra app to boost airline efficiency

Acron Aviation has announced the launch of its new iOS application, Astra, which is designed to provide pilots and management teams with personalised performance data and insights before and after each flight.

The app is described as a tool for transforming how flight performance data is accessed and used by pilots and airline operators. Astra incorporates modules that focus on safety and efficiency, making use of advanced data analytics and machine learning algorithms to deliver tailored intelligence to end-users. Designed to be customisable, Astra integrates with both Acron Aviation's own Flight Data Monitoring platform and third-party systems, enabling seamless adoption across fleets.

Data-driven flight operations

Astra's safety module offers pre- and post-flight insights, prioritising safety and fostering continuous improvement for pilots and operations teams. Key features include the monitoring of fuel consumption, aircraft wear-and-tear, and performance metrics, all available through an intuitive dashboard that provides management teams with comprehensive oversight at fleet level.

Mitesh Patel, Vice President and General Manager Flight Data Intelligence at Acron Aviation, commented on the launch:

"With Astra, we're closing the gap between Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and actual flight performance." Patel continued, "by leveraging Machine Learning algorithms and our database of 45 million flights, we're delivering personalised, timely, and engaging feedback directly to pilots. Astra represents a significant advancement in how airlines can monitor and optimise fuel consumption and reduce wear-and-tear. This approach not only enhances safety it also improves operational effectiveness and reduces costs."

The comprehensive information provided by Astra empowers both pilots and management. For pilots, critical data is consolidated in one application, aiming to reduce the burden of switching between tools while in the cockpit or during pre-flight preparation.

Efficiency partnership

Astra was developed through a strategic partnership between Acron Aviation and FuelVision, a company with a focus on flight efficiency and data-driven performance. Elena Escrivá de Romaní Pérez, Chief Executive Officer of FuelVision, explained:

"Astra increases awareness and engagement with efficiency programs by providing pilots with individual feedback and coaching, as well as providing detailed analytics on fuel consumption patterns, identifies potential savings opportunities, and offers actionable recommendations to optimise flight operations." She continued, "FuelVision was founded by pilots, which means we do things in a fundamentally different way and our starting point is always through the lens of a pilot."

The Efficiency module in Astra enables airlines to benchmark performance, track adherence to Standard Operating Procedures, and tailor training programmes based on observed areas for improvement. Customisable parameters also make it possible to inform and adapt fleet-wide pilot training aligned to the latest performance data and trends.

Key features

Astra processes over 25,000 flights daily, ensuring that debriefs and feedback are delivered to pilots within 15 minutes of landing. Its features include a dashboard for monitoring fuel usage and wear indicators, machine learning-driven analysis of operational effectiveness, unified performance views covering safety and efficiency metrics, and the development of individualised training plans targeted at specific needs.

The app can provide pre-flight briefings to pilots with route-specific operational data, enhancing preparation and situational awareness. Following each flight, pilots receive a debrief based on rapid analysis of flight data. Comparative benchmarking allows crew members to measure performance relative to peers within their fleet, reflecting a commitment to continuous improvement and team-based oversight.

For management, Astra adds value by highlighting both strong performance and areas that require additional support or intervention. The ability to monitor adherence to company procedures and assess return on investment is designed to support both efficiency and risk management objectives.

Industry integration

Astra is compatible with Acron Aviation's Flight Data Connect platform, which processes large volumes of flight information in a matter of minutes. This integration supports broader safety and operational initiatives, including contributions to IATA's Flight Data eXchange programme.

The application is available for further demonstrations at key industry events, with Acron Aviation continuing to showcase Astra's capabilities to prospective users from the global aviation community.