Switching to an integrated EFB can save you money right off the bat by digitizing traditional flight briefing processes. It’s a simple, practical move that cuts out the costs of paper-based systems.

• Lower production costs: No more spending on paper, printers, toner or maintenance.
• Reduced labor costs: Fewer staff are needed to produce, print, collate and distribute paper packages.
• Savings on distribution: Say goodbye to time wasted by ground staff physically delivering briefing packages to pilots.

These improvements are easy to measure and deliver immediate results. But if you only focus on these quick wins, you might miss out on even bigger savings down the road.

80% of savings – operational efficiencies

The true transformational benefits of an EFB emerge once it becomes fully integrated into your airline’s operations. These efficiencies not only save costs in unexpected areas but also bolster your airline’s overall productivity, reliability and passenger satisfaction.

1. Better crew utilization

An integrated EFB allows pilots to access briefing packages anytime, anywhere – whether at the hotel, on a transport shuttle or directly in the cockpit. This flexibility eliminates the need to wait until they arrive at the airport to begin the briefing process. By enabling pilots to complete briefings in advance, reporting times before flights can be reduced (e.g., from 30 minutes to 15 minutes), leading to more efficient crew utilization.

2. Shorter turnaround times

• Instant updates, no waiting: Pilots no longer need to wait for ground staff to deliver flight plans, revisions or load sheets that can artificially extend your turnaround times. Additionally, with digital load sheets, pilots can sign them while taxiing, saving valuable time and preparing the aircraft for quicker departures.

• Improved accuracy: Say goodbye to misplaced or incomplete paper packages and the time wasted fixing errors—all documents are delivered instantly and seamlessly in digital form.

• Better fleet utilization: With shorter turnarounds, you can fit in more flights without adding new aircraft, boosting profitability per aircraft through more efficient scheduling.

3. Cut costs in airport operations

• No more briefing rooms:  Digital briefings mean airlines can skip the expense of renting pilot briefing spaces at airports—saving money on real estate and infrastructure.

• Save on ground handling:  With a smaller scope of work (e.g. no more delivering paper briefings and load sheets), you can negotiate better deals with ground handling services.

4. More accurate data

• Real-time updates:  With an integrated EFB, load sheets get completed closer to departure, so there’s less room for mistakes and more accurate info every time.

• Safer, smoother operations:  Digital nav logging lets pilots enter actuals directly into their navigation app, cutting down on data entry errors.

5. Slash fuel costs

• Save up to 2% cruise fuel With fuel savings advisories like the Cost Index Optimization in Jeppesen’s FliteDeck Pro, you can reduce cruise fuel burn by 1.5-2% on any Airbus or Boeing aircraft and make a significant contribution to reaching your corporate sustainability goals.

6. Enhanced post-flight analysis

Real-life example: One airline found out their pilots were regularly carrying an extra 3,000 kg of fuel on flights to JFK, yet past data showed it wasn’t needed. By frequently reviewing the last 10 flights to that airport, and sharing this info with pilots, they cut down on unnecessary fuel and saved on fuel carry costs.

7. Audit and storage cost savings

• Always audit-ready: Switching to digital record-keeping means you can say goodbye to stacks of physical documents. It cuts down on storage costs and makes finding documentation on every past flight a breeze. No more scrambling for lost flight records during safety checks or audits!

• Stop paying for storage space: Eliminating paper documentation means you can say goodbye to the need for costly storage rooms. Transform your physical storage into an efficient, organized digital solution.

8. Improved flight efficiency

• Faster turnaround times, time-saving digital tools, and smarter crew scheduling all add up to big savings on labor and more time to use your assets. For airlines running on tight margins, these changes can make all the difference in staying operational.

The big picture takeaway

Switching from paper processes to an EFB solution is a great start to more efficient operations—it delivers quick, noticeable cost savings. But here’s the real takeaway: that’s just 20% of the total potential. The true transformation—the remaining 80%—comes from operational efficiencies achieved through an integrated EFB solution. This means optimizing crew and aircraft utilization and streamlining airport operations.

Why should you care?

Understanding this 20-80 rule helps you: