Before a pilot can take off, a rigid procedure is carried out, to ensure that the aeroplane is neither overloaded, nor out of balance. Passengers, baggage and cargo need to be distributed correctly, depending on the aircraft type and the passenger seating arrangements.

Previously, the procedure was often time-consuming and a potential cause for delays and missed take-off slots. British Airways has now found a way to speed up the process with a 100% audit trail, near real-time data transmission, and minimal disruption to working practices.

The new TRIP (TurnRound Intelligent Pens) solution is based on Anoto’s Digital Pen and Paper technology and is used by over 300 turn-round coordinators to manage all of the airline’s departures from London’s Heathrow and Gatwick Airports.

Benefits: Fast, manageable and auditable airside load-control communication during procedures. Prompter departures and a reduction of lost take-off slots.

Read the case story here