Transforming Flight Operations with Advanced eSIM Connectivity

Discover Airlines partnered with emnify to avoid QR-code-based activations instead using a fully automated eSIM provisioning process integrated into its MDM platform. MDM integration was essential to ensure secure, scalable and policy-controlled eSIM deployment for the airline’s fleet. The integration between emnify’s platform and Discover Airlines’ MDM application enabled instant deployment and connectivity of the airline’s EFB iPads at the click of a button - without the need to manage physical SIM logistics.

Services used:

•  eSIM Deployment Over-the-Air (OTA): Enabled instant provisioning without requiring QR codes, allowing iPads to instantly connect upon enrollment in the MDM system with minimal effort required. OTA eSIM deployment is important for new iPads as they add to their existing fleet or upgrade to newer devices once old ones become obsolete.
• Device Lifecycle Management: Streamlined the management of eSIMs across thousands of iPads, ensuring pilots have instant connectivity upon receiving their devices and enabling remote management throughout their lifecycle.

The easy and secure provisioning of eSIMs via mobile device management has simplified device deployment at scale, ensuring pilots always have access to mission-critical applications without significant manual configuration upfront.

emnify provided a fully managed eSIM and connectivity solution that combined cost control with security enforcement.

Optimized Global Data Plans:
Flexible pricing allowing for data connectivity in almost any country, even in the case of emergency such as unscheduled flight diversions.

Automated Policy Enforcement:
Automatically applied security and data usage policies to all connected devices, ensuring compliance and preventing unauthorized access or data consumption.

Multi-Network Connectivity:
Ensured uninterrupted service across 540+ networks in 190+ countries, providing flexibility for changing or added flight routes, even in remote locations.

Custom DNS Filtering for Security & Cost Control:  
By restricting access to only mission-critical application servers, such as those for weather reports and flight planning, the airline prevented unnecessary data consumption. This ensured no unexpected bills were incurred due to misuse, like inadvertently downloading bandwidth-heavy apps such as Netflix or YouTube.

Automated Data Limits & Real-Time Alerts:
Monitored data usage and provided email alerts to limit data consumption and prevent bill shock, including large iOS updates or unexpected app behavior. This approach helped maintain cost control and allowed for quick intervention to address potential overages.

Real-Time Visibility & Control:
Provided IT teams with centralized monitoring of connectivity status, usage trends, and potential issues, with the ability to apply remote troubleshooting measures.

Beyond security, the automated onboarding and real-time observability have streamlined our fleet management, reducing operational overhead and improving compliance with industry regulations.

– Jonas Becker, EFB Administrator, Discover Airlines

Services used:

•  eSIM Deployment Over-the-Air (OTA): Enabled instant provisioning without requiring QR codes, allowing iPads to automatically connect upon enrollment in the MDM system. OTA eSIM deployment is important for new iPads as they add to their existing fleet or upgrade to newer devices once old ones become obsolete.
• Device Lifecycle Management: Streamlined the management of eSIMs across thousands of iPads, ensuring pilots have instant connectivity upon receiving their devices and enabling remote management throughout their lifecycle.