Designed to enhance safety and reliability in airport fuelling operations, Air bp’s award-winning safe2go fuel data platform (formerly known as Airfield Automation) has now been deployed at almost 600 locations across 44 countries around the globe.

So, what is it exactly, how does it work and what are the benefits for helicopter operators?

The safe2go fuel data platform consists of several digital solutions that provide efficiencies to the refuelling process, both on the ground and at back office – one of these being the safe2go fuelling app, a bp patented misfuel prevention technology to help significantly reduce the risk of into-plane misfuelling.

Since launching in 2018 the safe2go fuel data platform has already processed over 4 million fuellings around the world. Around half of these deliveries have been completed using the safe2go fuelling app

Enhanced fuelling operations

The innovative safe2go fuelling app works via a handheld device in fuelling vehicles which consolidates data on airport fuelling operations and verifies fuelling requirements. Customer details are then confirmed with an electronic signature from the pilot.

With general aviation particularly vulnerable to the risk of misfuelling, Air bp is proud to have protected more than 668,000 overwing fuellings. The majority of these have been helicopter fuellings.

Aside from the enhanced safety barrier, helicopter operators can benefit from faster, more comprehensive, and more accurate fuelling as well as data delivery. In 2021 new services were added to the cloud-based platform. These upgrades include a real-time, two-way connection between the crew and fuel operator during the aircraft turnaround at the airfield. From receiving the preliminary order through to a revised final order and concluding with an electronic ticket sign off, this solution called safe2go+ flight data integration provides instant visibility and more efficient refuelling operations, reduces refuelling time and provides efficiencies at back office.

Olivia Stone, vice president technical services and HSSE, Air bp, explains: “This technology is highly relevant for helicopter operators where turnaround times can be tight and the pilot has a short time to land, refuel and do the post-flight checks prior to take off. Through the safe2go fuelling app, our platform seamlessly connects pilot with operator, helping to unlock savings by increasing data accuracy, maximising efficiency, and helping to reduce turnaround times. We will continue to roll this innovative technology out in countries around the world.”

Expanding beyond Air bp’s network

Following a successful rollout within its own operated locations, Air bp is now expanding its reach to fuel operators at non-Air bp operated locations with a new customer named most recently as Greek Into Plane Service and Storage Company (GISSCO), a joint venture between Shell Aviation and Air bp. The safe2go fuel data platform has been deployed at 18 airports in Greece for GISSCO and Air bp will continue to progress its expansion with other new customers around the globe.

Elida Cavic, vice president aviation, South Europe, Middle East & Africa at Air bp, said: “We are pleased to be expanding the reach of our technology and are delighted to announce GISSCO as our new customer, joining the growing number of locations who are able to benefit from the solution. Any fuel operator can use this technology as a cost-effective solution when digitising their fuelling operations. We look forward to working with fuel operators at other non-Air bp operated locations.”

Award-winning technology

The technology hasn’t gone unnoticed within the industry and tech sector with four award wins to date. Most recently, Air bp was named ‘Safety Innovator of the Year’ at the Australian Aviation Awards, 2022. Prior to that, in 2020 the business scooped three awards for its Fuel data platform at the UK Real IT Awards, including the ‘Excellence in Application Modernisation Award’, the ‘Product Innovation Award’ and it was declared the ‘Overall Winner’.

The safe2go fuel data platform reinforces Air bp’s ambition to be a long-term leader in digital technology. As air travel continues to recover post pandemic, more pressure is being exerted on airports and operators to provide a seamless service to customers. With this technology, Air bp is playing its part in ensuring that the fuelling process is fast, efficient and safe.

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