China Airlines advances efficiency with cloud-based planning tools

China Airlines has selected the NetLine/Plan solution from Lufthansa Systems to support its strategic planning and operational goals.

The airline, based in Taiwan, operates in a competitive market with two other major carriers. By implementing NetLine/Plan, China Airlines becomes the first carrier in Taiwan to adopt a sophisticated, model-based solution aimed at forecasting network profitability and optimising its route portfolio.

The NetLine/Plan system is provided as a cloud-hosted Software-as-a-Service through Lufthansa Systems' Global Aviation Cloud. This deployment ensures China Airlines benefits from high scalability and data security for its network planning processes.

Planning for changing demand

A spokesperson from China Airlines explained the rationale behind the adoption:

"Our market environment requires agile, data-driven decisions to stay competitive and respond to changing demand patterns. NetLine/Plan provides the advanced modeling capabilities we need to evaluate network scenarios quickly and transparently, helping us strengthen our profitability and plan for long-term growth. It will support us in aligning capacity with demand in the local market as well as in other key connecting markets like Asia to North America. This cooperation also supports China Airlines' ESG goals by enhancing fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and promoting paperless operations through optimised planning solutions."

The NetLine/Plan solution, developed with input from multiple network carriers and aircraft manufacturers worldwide, is designed to address the complexity of airline network planning. The system enables the rapid evaluation of network scenarios, with capabilities for a full origin-and-destination-based network analysis in under 30 seconds. By comparison, older solutions often require significantly more time to produce results.

With its proprietary models and datasets, NetLine/Plan supports airlines in forecasting profitability with high precision and consistency. This enables airlines like China Airlines to enhance their efficiency and improve their market position by aligning their strategy with fluctuating demand patterns, both locally and on key international routes.

The software also includes flexible reporting and analysis tools that help planners make informed, confident decisions at a granular level. Transparency and analytical depth are noted as key factors in the solution's effectiveness.

Extended partnership

China Airlines has also renewed its contract for the Lido Flight 4D solution from Lufthansa Systems. Lido Flight 4D focuses on optimising flights from a safety and efficiency standpoint. The solution calculates optimal routes by incorporating real-time data, including weather conditions, air traffic management restrictions, and cost elements such as air traffic control charges. It offers automation options ranging from fully interactive to fully automated workflows, adaptable to the airline's needs.

An element of the extended partnership is the integration of Lido mBriefing, included with Lido Flight 4D. Lido mBriefing is an iOS-based mobile solution for pilots, covering tasks from pre-flight planning to post-flight reporting. It ensures flight crews can securely access essential flight information, even in offline situations. Pilots can manage flight plans, request fuel, and record air traffic control clearances without requiring continuous connectivity. This aims to streamline operational workflows and improve the pilot experience.

Supporting operational goals

David Parrish, Senior Vice President, Sales & Client Management Asia Pacific at Lufthansa Systems, commented on continuing the collaboration:

"Our continued work with China Airlines builds on a foundation of trust and proven results, now extended from flight planning to network optimisation. With Lido Flight 4D supporting operational efficiency and sustainability goals, the addition of NetLine/Plan marks the next step in enabling fast, data-driven decisions across the airline's planning process."

China Airlines' adoption of these solutions aligns with its strategy to enhance operational efficiency, improve environmental performance, and enhance the overall quality of service it offers. The carrier states that it is committed to sustainable growth and views technology as an enabler for achieving its ESG objectives, including improvements in fuel efficiency, reductions in emissions, and advancements toward paperless operations.

China Airlines employs over 10,000 staff and operates a fleet of 115 aircraft, serving a broad network through its membership in the SkyTeam Alliance. The carrier strives to uphold high standards in service and sustainability as part of its ongoing business objectives.