Airline digitises ‘weighty’ paper-based cabin log process

easyJet is replacing weighty paper technical and cabin logs previously used by cabin crew, engineers, ground crew and flight crew with the new e-techlog system, which will be rolled out across its 346-strong fleet of aircraft during 2025.

The move represents another way the airline is trying to reduce its operational waste, with the transition expected to save more than 300,000 sheets of paper from being printed and stored every year.

Additionally, the new e-techlog system will help streamline the maintenance reporting process for flight crew, cabin crew and engineering – enabling easyJet to increase line maintenance productivity in the process.

Bolstered by real-time flight and cabin crew reports, the new system will in particular aid easyJet with fewer ground delays, lowering aircraft maintenance times to enable greater aircraft availability and ultimately less disruption for passengers. 

David Morgan, chief operating officer at easyJet, said: “Rolling out Ultramain’s state-of-the-art technology across our fleet of aircraft will not only improve the reporting processes for our crew and engineering teams but will also see fewer delays on the ground, which will help further enhance the travel experience for our customers.

“Our continued investment into innovative solutions like the e-techlog means we’ll not only find quicker solutions to defects but by cutting our paper use and the weight on the aircraft, we are also taking another small but important step to reduce our environmental impact too.”

Speaking on the transition to digitised reporting, Mark McCausland, president and CEO of Ultramain Systems, added: “We are thrilled to welcome easyJet as our newest ULTRAMAIN ELB partner and user. By embracing a paperless process for their electronic technical and cabin logbook, easyJet has demonstrated a dedication to excellence and innovation.

“Together, we are paving the way towards a more efficient future in aviation. We are excited to support easyJet as they transition to a more efficient, paperless operation.”

Once fully rolled out, the e-techlog will be run through Ultramain’s software and will be installed on operational iPads accessible to easyJet personnel on the ground and in the air. This will enable both crew and engineers to raise and share maintenance issues, in real-time whilst on the ground, and in doing so give the engineers ample time to order new parts in advance, saving on-ground delays and operational downtime.

Additionally, transitioning from pen and paper to a fully digitised process leaves no room for errors or misinterpretation as the software will enable engineers to identify the problem instantly as they board the aircraft thanks to the interactive cabin map feature included with the e-techlog.