Subject category:
Knowledge, Information and Communication Systems Management
Published by:
RSM Case Development Centre
Length: 18 pages
Data source: Field research
Topics:
Airlines; Artificial Intelligence; AI; Big data; China; Digital transformation; Augmented reality; AR; 5G
Abstract
The airline maintenance industry is currently facing intense and uncertain challenges, such as information lags and isolated data islands caused by the use of manual job cards. These challenges can create inefficiencies and delays, and may hinder the ability of maintenance teams to make informed decisions in a timely manner. China Southern Airlines has been a leader in digitalisation within the industry, and this case focuses on the digital transformation of their maintenance system. Students will learn how digital transformation occurs in enterprises, which is a complex project requiring systematic thinking, especially in an industry where safety is a priority. Wang Jinshen, leader of the company's technical arm, proposed TAOIX (Touchless, Adaptive, Optimised, Immersive, eXtensible) as the future requirements for the system, representing the fundamental path of enterprise digital transformation. The case explores how business requirements must be at the centre of transformation progress, and discusses data assets, business models, and long-term effective collaboration for innovation. The case concludes by examining the need to create a new organisational model for cooperative innovation between state-owned and private enterprises.
Teaching and learning
This item is suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education courses.Time period
The events covered by this case took place in 2023.Geographical setting
Region:
Asia
Country:
China
Featured company
China Southern Airlines
Employees:
10000+
Turnover:
USD 14.36 billion
Type:
Public company
Industry:
Airline industry
Featured protagonist
- Wang Jinshen (male), Head of maintenance system digitisation team
About
Abstract
The airline maintenance industry is currently facing intense and uncertain challenges, such as information lags and isolated data islands caused by the use of manual job cards. These challenges can create inefficiencies and delays, and may hinder the ability of maintenance teams to make informed decisions in a timely manner. China Southern Airlines has been a leader in digitalisation within the industry, and this case focuses on the digital transformation of their maintenance system. Students will learn how digital transformation occurs in enterprises, which is a complex project requiring systematic thinking, especially in an industry where safety is a priority. Wang Jinshen, leader of the company's technical arm, proposed TAOIX (Touchless, Adaptive, Optimised, Immersive, eXtensible) as the future requirements for the system, representing the fundamental path of enterprise digital transformation. The case explores how business requirements must be at the centre of transformation progress, and discusses data assets, business models, and long-term effective collaboration for innovation. The case concludes by examining the need to create a new organisational model for cooperative innovation between state-owned and private enterprises.
Teaching and learning
This item is suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education courses.Settings
Time period
The events covered by this case took place in 2023.Geographical setting
Region:
Asia
Country:
China
Featured company
China Southern Airlines
Employees:
10000+
Turnover:
USD 14.36 billion
Type:
Public company
Industry:
Airline industry
Featured protagonist
- Wang Jinshen (male), Head of maintenance system digitisation team

