Inside CAE’s Digital Transformation Strategy

Inside CAE’s Digital Transformation Strategy

Aviation Week Network recently engaged with Joanna Szymczyk, Vice President of Program, Customer Success, and Solutions Delivery for Flightscape at CAE, Inc., a global leader in simulation training and operational support solutions. CAE’s Flightscape suite offers digital tools designed to modernize and optimize airline operations, with the dual aim of improving efficiency and enhancing the passenger experience.

The Imperative for Digital Transformation in Aviation

Szymczyk identifies the COVID-19 pandemic as a pivotal moment that compelled airlines to reassess their operational efficiency, customer experience, and competitive positioning. The crisis accelerated interest in digital transformation, particularly in areas such as flight management, crew scheduling, and fleet maintenance, leveraging data analytics and automation. Now, five years later, airlines confront heightened passenger expectations alongside increasingly constrained profit margins, making digital transformation a necessity rather than a choice. Upgrading or replacing legacy digital platforms enables carriers to offer more personalized services while streamlining backend processes and reducing operational costs.

Challenges in Implementing Digital Change

The complexity of digital transformation remains a significant barrier. Szymczyk highlights that system changes often represent long-term commitments spanning up to 15 years. Airlines must navigate a multifaceted landscape that includes regulatory compliance, data privacy, cybersecurity, and sustainability requirements. Equally important is managing the human dimension: integrating new technologies for flight and crew management demands comprehensive change management, staff training, and anticipation of workforce responses. Maintaining operational continuity and allocating sufficient resources during the transition are critical to success.

Beyond operational challenges, broader industry dynamics complicate transformation efforts. Resistance to cultural change and a prevailing focus on short-term financial results can impede sustained digital initiatives. A recent Crosstide study revealed that 21% of chief technology officers believe digital transformation progress has been slowed by short-termism, a concern echoed by CAE and its partners. Additionally, the rise of automation and advanced technologies raises questions about workforce displacement and the need to balance technological advancement with preserving human values in the evolving digital landscape.

The Role of Strategic Partnerships

Szymczyk underscores that airlines are investing in long-term technology partnerships rather than one-off product purchases. These relationships shape operational capabilities for decades and involve a complex ecosystem of collaborators. Successful partnerships extend beyond initial implementation to encompass ongoing support, change management, and technical expertise—areas where airlines often lack sufficient internal capacity. Cultural alignment between airline and technology provider is essential, as the ideal partner acts as an ally in the airline’s transformation journey, understanding both technical challenges and human factors.

CAE’s Commitment to Supporting Airlines

CAE’s approach centers on accelerating value delivery to its airline partners. Recognizing that traditional implementation timelines of 18 to 20 months are no longer practical in a rapidly evolving industry, the company has reimagined its processes to provide faster, tangible benefits. Despite market skepticism regarding the feasibility of large-scale digital transformation and increasing competition from rivals enhancing their digital offerings, CAE remains dedicated to guiding airlines through these complexities. The company strives to balance technological innovation with the human elements critical to successful and sustainable transformation.