World’s first aviation block chain Challenge

Author: Sebastian Thelen
Date: 24.07.2018

Lufthansa Innovation Hub works with SAP

The Lufthansa subsidiary Lufthansa Innovation Hub (LIH) has merged with SAP.iO Berlin Foundry. As part of the collaboration, the world’s first aviation block chain challenge was launched. The main aim of the challenge is to identify potential opportunities and promote the introduction of block chain technology in aviation.

The challenge is called “Aviation Block Chain Challenge” and looks for block chain based solutions in the aviation industry. Thus, the customer experience, the processes, the supply chains and the maintenance procedures for travelers should become easier. In addition, travelers should have the opportunity to network with each other.

For Thorsten Dirks, CEO of Eurowings and board member of the Lufthansa Group, block chain is one of the most groundbreaking technologies in those days, which is systematically addressed as part of the Lufthansa Group’s digital strategy. With the combination of aviation industry expertise and SAP’s block chain technology, an ideal global foundation to engage block chain entrepreneurs with an affinity for travel and mobility has been created according to Dirks.

Deepak Krishnamurthy, Chief Strategic Officer and Executive V.P. of SAP is also pleased about the partnership with Lufthansa. He describes the collaboration an exciting challenge to reinvent the travel experience. With the industry-leading SAP Leonardo block chain platform and Lufthansa’s market leadership and aviation expertise, a new, innovative ecosystem that will transform the entire travel industry can be developed according to Krishnamurthy.

Block chain not yet established in aviation

Travel and mobility applications, which are developed for decentralized networks, are already on the market. However, according to the press, these are not marketable for airlines. Block chain has not yet established itself in the aviation industry, according to Sascha Loeffler, senior manager of cbs Corporate Business Solutions GmbH.

Sascha Loeffler says that the aircraft manufacturers have “enormous block chain potential” to increase safety in aviation. “There are many interesting aplication cases, from tracking mandatory audits up to part-authentication and traceability. It will be more and more important for airlines to enable seamless collaboration across their corporate and departmental networks, “Loeffler continued.