On 29 January 2019, Singapore Airlines launched its new digital innovation lab, called KrisLab, in line with the Airline’s Digital Innovation Blueprint which was launched in 2018. Under the Blueprint, SIA is working to develop and nurture the digital aviation and travel technology community in Singapore, through collaborative partnerships with organizations such as the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), National University of Singapore (NUS) and other partners, along with support from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Economic Development Board (EDB).
Technology such as blockchain, mixed reality devices, artificial intelligence and data analytics, among others, are used and explored at the lab as part of the airline’s digital initiatives to enhance operations and overall customer experience. Examples of areas being explored include revenue management, smart seats, virtual training, and predictive maintenance for aircraft. One of the innovations being explored at KrisLab involves the use of virtual reality technology to allow our designers to step on board and explore or change future cabin design concepts quickly. This is one of the many initiatives the Airline is exploring to enhance operations and overall customer experience.
Staff can submit ideas and solutions for evaluation by the Digital Innovation Lab team based on technological and implementation readiness, as well as market and strategic attractiveness. If an idea is approved, seed funding along with expertise provided by the Digital Innovation Lab team is provided to help further develop it into a prototype, before moving to the implementation stage.
(Sources: Singapore Airlines; Straits Times)
