Ditto partners with ANA to revolutionise in-flight connectivity

Ditto, the creator of the edge sync platform, which is renowned for enabling applications to synchronise data in real-time even without internet connectivity, has announced a significant collaboration with Japan's largest airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA).

Starting from early summer 2024, ANA will deploy Ditto's resilient and smart communication platform to support cabin crew on all of its international flights.

ANA's initiative to integrate advanced digital technology on its international flights signifies a commitment to enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency. By leveraging Ditto's offline data synching technology, ANA aims to transition from paper-based methods to digital apps for managing onboard hospitality.

Ditto's edge sync platform will be embedded into the onboard digital applications used by ANA's flight attendants.

The integration will facilitate the management of the aircraft, collaboration among crew members, and provision of onboard services to passengers. The digital apps, operating on handheld devices and smartphones, will maintain functionality even without an internet connection, ensuring continuous service and seamless operations.

Lost connectivity often translates to lost revenues for airlines. However, by incorporating Ditto's technology, ANA substantially mitigates this risk.

Ditto's software dynamically employs multiple connection methods, including Bluetooth, peer-to-peer (P2P) Wi-Fi, and Local Area Network (LAN) within the cabin. This ensures real-time synchronisation of critical passenger and flight information between devices. In situations where internet connectivity is poor or unavailable, devices running the same application will automatically locate each other and synchronise databases concerning passenger preferences, payments, real-time safety information, inventory, and other essential data.

Keiichi Ueda, Vice President of Digital Transformation & Innovation at ANA, commented on the collaboration, stating, "We first piloted a project with Ditto to explore how its technology could support our flight crews. The initial phase demonstrated the potential for Ditto's technology to maintain digital collaborative applications even when offline, leading us to select Ditto as our digital communications platform for all our international flight services."

Ditto's CEO and co-founder, Adam Fish, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that digitising flight management processes holds significant benefits for both passengers and airlines. "We're delighted to be helping ANA realise its digital service ambitions and ensuring an onboard travel experience that exceeds customer expectations on its flights," Fish remarked.

All Nippon Airways, founded in 1952, has grown from a modest two-helicopter operation to become Japan's largest airline. Recognised as one of the World's Most Admired Companies by Fortune, ANA operates under the umbrella of ANA Holdings, which was established in 2013. The airline group offers three distinct airline brands: ANA, Peach, Japan's leading low-cost carrier, and AirJapan, launched in 2024 to serve international routes across Asia.

ANA's commitment to superior service is reflected in its continuous reception of the prestigious SKYTRAX 5-Star rating since 2013, making it the only Japanese airline to achieve this recognition for eleven consecutive years.

The airline has also topped Cirium's Asia Pacific on-time performance rankings for consecutive years.