Airline timetables are quite complex as they heavily rely on network optimization which takes care of traffic demand profiles, fleet allocation equipment, and flight timetables which create accurate workforce patterns. The optimal demand output designs rely on airline rostering software to match all operational demands from all available personnel.
A planning and optimization scheduling system handles both freighters and passenger fleets. Unfortunately, this operator owns a couple of cargo planes capable of delivering unscheduled lifts into various destinations. A part of the scheduling struggle requires adding the dynamic component in short to mid-term and long-term rostering.
One day of the life of an airline planner requires data entry on massive Excel spreadsheets which churn out countless goal-seek formulas all over their worksheets. The solution to this data organization requires creating knowledge spreadsheets which could maintain static data sourcing that describes the individual employee and pieces of equipment. A good example would be planes, trucks and other pieces of airside machinery.
Further Challenges
If the operational planning is too stressful, here are some things to consider. Check out KPIs related to cost, and other concerns synonymous to smaller airlines. Every dollar saved will affect your bottom line and can mean the difference between running a business for one year after which you fold up.
As is the case usually, one’s salary depends on meeting the right KPIs while the HR department governs all other employee-related costs such as travel, allowances, salary, and benefits. All admin departments chose the right set of accommodation and ground transport, while procurement decides on fuel rates or any other ad hoc maintenance concerns. The airline planner has no direct influence over any changes that wreak havoc on roster calculations. This prompts headaches and frustrations related that create revisions on the spreadsheets.
In the wake of this, I am obliged to wonder how the planner motivates his entire team. It first begins as a struggle after which it is difficult for team members who are interested to maintain pressure from other employees and departments. When one team member leaves, they are forced to hire junior analysts who are also expected to have the same skills and expertise. After that, the other person would burn out and repeat the entire cycle.
Potential Proposition
With time the numbers written down on a napkin can be minimized, from pilot training, product efficiency, and training and certification. You can anticipate airport closures brought about by bad weather affecting crew assignments and resulting in staff recalls not forgetting over time.
Conclusion
Most if not all of these costs can be significantly reduced if the planner had a more efficient IT solution that optimized the planning and scheduling process. The best IT tools free up time and handle exceptional events that require human intervention. The planning systems running on in-built optimization will be configured to solve problems arising at the basic level, typically those that pay for themselves within a year. For small airlines, it is just a matter of time before they fully survive and compete against others.…