The airline industry is a marvel of logistics, coordinating countless moving parts to get passengers safely and efficiently to their destinations. While cutting-edge technology takes center stage, a less glamorous but equally crucial element often goes unnoticed, print procurement.
Yes, printing. Those boarding passes, baggage tags, and countless other documents that keep flights running smoothly rely on a robust print procurement strategy. Let’s take a look into the world of print procurement in airlines, exploring its significance and the factors airlines consider when making printing decisions.
The Paper Trail of Air Travel
The Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that the global passenger traffic will reach 8.2 billion by 2037 [IATA website]. This translates to a massive volume of printed materials. Here’s a glimpse into the printing needs of an airline:
- Boarding passes: A study by SITA Aero [SITA Aero website] suggests that over 70% of passengers still prefer a physical boarding pass. With billions of passengers flying each year, that’s a significant amount of paper.
- Baggage tags: Every checked bag requires a printed tag for identification and tracking.
- Operational documents: From flight plans and maintenance logs to safety manuals and catering information, airlines rely on a variety of printed documents for smooth operations.
- Customer service materials: Baggage claim tickets, receipts, and other customer service documents often involve printing.
The Balancing Act: Cost, Efficiency, and Sustainability
Print procurement in airlines is a balancing act. Here are the key factors airlines consider:
- Cost: Printing can be a significant expense. Airlines negotiate bulk purchase agreements with printer vendors to get the best possible price per page.
- Efficiency: Printers need to be reliable and handle high volumes of printing during peak hours. Downtime due to malfunctioning printers can cause delays and disrupt operations.
- Security: Boarding passes and other documents contain sensitive passenger information. Airlines ensure printers comply with data security regulations.
- Sustainability: Airlines are increasingly mindful of their environmental impact. This includes using recycled paper and implementing strategies to reduce overall printing needs.
The Future of Print Procurement in Airlines
While the rise of electronic boarding passes and digital documents may suggest a paperless future, printing will likely remain a vital part of airline operations for some time. The focus will shift towards:
- Optimizing print volumes: Airlines will leverage data analytics to identify unnecessary printing and encourage passengers to opt for digital boarding passes whenever possible.
- Managed print services: Outsourcing print management to service providers can help airlines streamline operations, reduce costs, and ensure printer efficiency.
- Sustainable printing practices: Utilizing recycled paper, promoting double-sided printing, and investing in energy-efficient printers are some ways airlines can minimize their environmental footprint.
In conclusion, navigating the complexities of print procurement in the airline industry requires a delicate balance. PrintGizmo by eLynxx Solutions can be your trusted partner in this endeavor. By leveraging our expertise in cost control, operational streamlining, data security, and sustainable practices, we can help your airline optimize printing processes, reduce expenses, and minimize environmental impact. With PrintGizmo by your side, you can ensure your printing needs continue to soar without turbulence.
Mike isn’t just the Director of Marketing at eLynxx Solutions – he’s a customer-whisperer, a growth alchemist, and a trend-spotting oracle all rolled into one. His passion lies in igniting interest in eLynxx’s innovative solutions, fueling the company’s customer base, and using client feedback to steer the industry towards a brighter future.
