AvioBook navigates the future in aviation data with ACA Group as co-pilot

AvioBook, a provider of innovative digital solutions for the aviation sector, distributes navigation databases to airlines that are a crucial part of the on-board flight management system (FMS). The current method used to distribute these critical databases needed to be improved and renovated to reach the latest IT standards. To address this vital process, AvioBook partnered with ACA Group, aiming to refine and optimize the distribution workflow.

✈️ Join us as we dive into the details of this exciting project in a chat with Jean-Etienne Hiolle (Bids and Projects Manager - Databases) from AvioBook, Aaron Geenens (Business Analyst) and Ben Leers (Senior Software Solutions Engineer) from ACA Group.

AvioBook, a Thales Group Company: Pioneers in digital aviation

AvioBook, a Thales Group company, works to support airlines to optimise their digital operations. The company provides an extensive, integrated range of ground and flight applications, systems, and solutions that securely connect all stakeholders and crucial assets. Leveraging their expertise in data and cyber security, AvioBook empowers airlines to achieve increased efficiency, sustainability, and profitable growth.

AvioBook is in charge of the distribution to the end users of the navigation databases used by Thales Flight Management systems (FMS), which are the central aircraft operations, helping pilots fly both efficiently and safely. These advanced computer systems manage critical flight parameters such as optimizing flight paths, calculating necessary fuel, and keeping the aircraft on course through automatic adjustments in speed and direction. By providing crucial information and guidance, the FMS is instrumental in aiding pilots to make informed decisions throughout their flights.

AvioBook's Challenge

When Jean-Etienne Hiolle joined the AvioBook team as the bid and project manager for navigation databases he brought with him over 13 years of experience in the Thales Group and was faced with a very significant challenge: how to optimize internal processes for navigation database distribution while providing a more modern external interface for customers?

Jean-Etienne explains: “Despite a global distribution network, uploading our database to the FMS portal posed significant challenges due to a complex data chain from production to the portal. This data chain needed to be optimized to reduce internal workload. It is also a good opportunity to modernize the distribution portal with a user-friendly modern interface. ” Since the main access point for the content was the database portal, it became the focal point of our considerations.

The complexity and persistence of portal problems led AvioBook to choose a more practical approach – develop a new portal rather than fix the existing one. “Our primary objective is to streamline the efficient distribution of our qualified database to customers while upholding data integrity throughout the process”, says Jean-Etienne.

Blueprint for success: the AvioBook solution

To address these challenges, AvioBook sought a solution partner and engaged with ACA Group after evaluating two main competitors. Jean-Etienne highlighted that ACA Group's maturity, demonstrated through workshops and a clear vision of the portal project, set them apart. 

Implementation stages:

• Database Distribution: ACA Group enhanced the portal to display navigation databases clearly, making it easy for users to download, according to ACA’s business analyst Aaron Geenens.
• Viewer Development: Aaron explains that the objective was to enable Airlines’ navigation services to access and filter navigation data more easily—for example, viewing specific details for a particular airport through the portal
• User Management: ACA Group created a system allowing AvioBook administrators to manage customer access and subscriptions directly on the portal.

Ben Leers noted that development began in February 2023. "After finalizing the user story board, our team rapidly progressed through several development cycles, culminating in the project’s completion in November 2023."

The outcome: A new horizon for AvioBook

The new portal developed by ACA Group provides a number of advantages:

• Simplification of tasks and processes:
  • The new portal developed by ACA Group simplifies daily tasks and eases customer interaction management and database uploads.
  • Admin users experience a profound simplification of tasks and oversight responsibilities.
• Intuitive design and User Experience:
  • The new portal stands out for its intuitive design, benefiting from a refreshed user experience.
  • The new interface is visually appealing and easy to navigate, enhancing the interaction with AvioBook's services.

Through the customer's lens

When we asked Jean-Etienne to assess the collaboration of ACA Group for this project, he highlighted the commitment to quality and a cooperative approach that left a strong impression. ACA’s clear vision for the portal facilitated thorough testing and evaluations. He noted their consistent ability to meet timelines and minimal errors in deliverables, which helped streamline the validation and enhancement processes. Jean-Etienne also commended ACA’s teamwork, especially during workshops where they efficiently outlined and revised project requirements. Their proactive communication clarified objectives and ensured the project stayed aligned with initial goals.