Airline Operations & Planning (Tue) by Cyrano Latiff https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg Come Fly With Me! en-us 2022-04-26 11:16:52 UTC 2022-07-26 12:21:58 UTC hello@padlet.com Welcome everyone!! flyranofly https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2159798389 2022-04-27 05:39:26 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2159798389 Tutorial 1 (Group 2) 2082274h1 https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2162144483 1. As the “Aircraft Manufacturer”, identify at least 2 factors that have significant effect on the flight performance of your aeroplane.

2. As the “Pilot” what are the key considerations to ensure you execute a “safe” and on target flight path.

Complete published schedules with high reliability and performance at lowest cost
Maintain highest safety performance at reasonable cost
Maintain all ground and air equipment to meet flight schedules effectively, considering available resources
Monitor performance to meet all international and government regulations

3. What are the key responsibilities of “Maintenance and Engineering” in keeping the aeroplane airworthy and efficient?

Responsible for the safety and efficient condition of flight and ground equipment
Operates maintenance and overhaul facilities for repair, periodic checks and overhaul of airframe, components, avionics, and engines
Line-service activities and inspections
Maintenance of GPU and other support equipment
Represent the airline with respect to regulations on maintenance and engineering

4. List and discuss 2 other factors (external or/and internal) that will affect your flight operations.

24/7 operations with widely dispersed time differentials and varying working pattern/holidays
Weather conditions
Unpredictable circumstances (e.g., War)
Regulatory repression and curfews

]]> 2022-04-28 12:24:01 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2162144483 Tutorial 2 (Group 2) 2082274h1 https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2162150585 1. What is the main responsibilities/objectives of airline operations?

Operations is responsible for production in the airline conversion process. It must deliver the “product” to the passenger.

Operations is charged with operating and maintaining all the equipment used to support the conversion, and it has always been a crucial element in the success of an airline.

Ground ops
Flight ops
Engineering & Maintenance

2. List the key responsibilities of Ground Operations.

Responsible for the administration of stations, ground facilities, and support equipment.
Keeps close contact with various government agencies (local, state, national and foreign) with respect to regulatory affairs
VP Ground Operations acts as company spokesperson in airport matters and is responsible for airline’s facilities at its station
If airport is a crew layover base, negotiate all related contracts for hotels, meals, and transportation

3. What are the key functions of Flight Operations?

Establish flight operations policies, procedures, and standards to meet regulatory requirements
Monitor all aspect of route flying
Ensure flight safety, efficiency, and standardization
Responsible for all flight crew members and other flight operations personnel
Evaluate schedule performance

4. Safety is of paramount importance to airline operations and stringent aircraft maintenance is a key cornerstone to safety. Describe the types of routine maintenance in relation to airframe maintenance.

Overnight Maintenance (1 to 2 hours inspection) to ensure planes is operating in accordance with OEM’s minimum equipment list
A-Check (Approx. every 125 flight hours (2-3 weeks))
Amplified preflight inspection of the fuselage exterior, power plant and avionics to ascertain general condition of aircraft.
B-Check (Approx. every 750 flight hours (3-4 weeks))
check + preventive maintenance, oil filters removed and checked, parts are lubricated, and the airframe examined
C-Check (Approx. every 3,000 flight hours)
Incorporates A+B checks. Components repaired, flight controls are calibrated, and major internal mechanisms are tested. Also includes a post-check flight test.
D-Check (Approx. every 20,000 flight hours/ 6-8 years)
Cabin interiors (including seats, galleys, lavatories, cockpit, furnishings, and sidewalls) are removed to enable careful structural inspection and cracks.

5. What are some of the main factors that would influence airline operations?

24/7 operations with widely dispersed time differentials and varying work patterns/holidays
Varying weather conditions
Unpredictable circumstances
Regulatory repression and curfews

]]> 2022-04-28 12:24:28 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2162150585 Tutorial 2 (Group 3) https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2163979620 1. View the YouTube video :

British Airways B747-400 D-check

Go to url: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_yHtfGH0nI

2. From the above video, list 2 areas of checks that you find interesting and explain their importance to the flight safety of the aircraft.

Landing Gears

- The purpose and importance of the landing gear in an aircraft is to provide a suspension system during taxi, take-off and landing.

- Landing gears are components which are designed to hold high loads during aircraft landing without incidents of damage to the aircraft or disturbance to passengers. These systems are also designed to carry the entire weight of the airplane while grounded.

- While ground and landing activities are highly reliant on the aircraft landing gear, the plane is in the air, and it is essentially a dead weight. This makes it highly important for the landing gear system to be stowed inside the aircraft to reduce unwanted drag, so as to ensure optimum aircraft performance.

Deployment of Aircraft Escape Slides

- Aircraft escape slides are an essential piece of Safety equipment. Designed to be fully deployed and inflated within a maximum of ten seconds, they are a powerful and efficient means of ensuring safe exit from an aircraft in case of an emergency.

3. You may refer to your lecture notes and the video you have just seen to answer the following questions:

- What is the main responsibilities/objectives of airline operations?

The Flight Operations works closely with the flight crew to develop flight plans. He/She examines weather data and decides on changes to flight routes. He/She is also in charge of overseeing flight schedules and movement messages. He/She reports changes in flight schedules to stakeholders.

Flight Operations - These including dispatch, flight planning, flight watch, weather data provision, operations control, ground to air communications and integration with crew, schedules and maintenance planning.

- List the key responsibilities of Ground Operations.

Ground Operator duties may include:

– Welcoming passengers and handling the counter.
– Providing essential flight information to passengers.
– Ensuring passengers have an easy and comfortable experience.
– Carrying out check-in, boarding and disembarkation procedures.
– Coordinating and managing staff around the aircraft during its stopover.
– Preparation of the flight plan, fuel, weather condition and other important information.
– Drafting and handing over the necessary documents for the flight to the aircraft captain.
– Management of takeoff slots with air traffic organizations.
– Management of the airline network and fleet.

- What are the key functions of Flight Operations?

- What are some of the main factors that would influence airline operations?

]]> 2022-04-29 08:33:58 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2163979620 Tutorial 3 (Group 3) https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2177457528 2.1
Describe the four major departments in Flight Operations.
• Ground Operations
• Flight Operations
• Crew dispatcher
• Flight Dispatcher

2.2
What is the primary function of the FCC?
• To ensure that the Airline’s services operate with the least possible disruption or delay.
• Where services are disrupted or delayed, they are rescheduled with the least possible inconvenience to passengers and at a minimal cost level consistent with safety, efficiency and service.

2.3
Describe the role of flight dispatcher.

The dispatcher is responsible for planning the flight. They will take into consideration the weather, any maintenance problems on the aircraft, navigational facilities at the appropriate airports, Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS), and alternate airport options. They will also exercise flight following while the flight is in progress and maintain communication with their flights. If there are any significant changes that would affect the safety of the flight, dispatchers will be the ones who are responsible for notifying the captain. The aircraft dispatcher will delay or cancel a flight when necessary and make any other operational decisions required to ensure the safety of the flight.
2.4
Under what circumstances will a flight be rescheduled, rerouted and
diverted?
• Bad Weather
• Aircraft Issues
• Medical Emergencies

Name 2 work-related skills you think are necessary to be a staff working in FCC/OCC.
Explain the reasons for your choice
• Ability to stay calm under pressure- It helps make correct decision if the situations arise
• Good and effective Communication skills -Communication with crews and clients are done throughout the day and its important to communicate effectively as well as actively listen. By doing so message received and be clearly understood and the message relayed can be effective.]]> 2022-05-10 11:59:02 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2177457528 Tutorial 3 Group 1(5 Happy Man) https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2177461896
2.1
Describe the four major departments in Flight Operations.

· Air Traffic and Safety

· Flight Procedures and Training

· Flying

· Crew Scheduling

2.2
What is the primary function of the FCC?

· Flight Dispatch

· Aircraft Performance

· Flight Watch

· Crew Scheduling

2.3
Describe the role of flight dispatcher.

· Preparation of air traffic control flight plan

· Preparation of Navigation / Communication log

· Preparation of fuel flight plan

· Diversion flight plan

· Weather forecast briefing

· Briefing of NOTAMs (notice to airmen)

· Load Control

2.1
Under what circumstances will a flight be rescheduled, rerouted and diverted?

· Any person suffers death or serious injury while in the aircraft or by direct contact with any part of the aircraft, including parts which have become detached from the aircraft or by direct exposure to jet blast

· The aircraft receives substantial damage

· The aircraft is missing or is completely inaccessible even though it is located

· The safety of the aircraft or its occupants is jeopardized

· Damage to property or aircraft is caused

· Injury is sustained

· Death occurs on board and was not a result of being in the aircraft or by direct contact with or anything attached to the aircraft.

Name 2 work-related skills you think are necessary to be a staff working in FCC/OCC. Explain the reasons for your choice.

· Able to handle stress

· quick problem solver

· Able to Work in group

· Communication skill

]]> 2022-05-10 12:02:07 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2177461896 Tutorial 3 (Group 2) 2082274h1 https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2177478266 2.1 Describe the four major departments in Flight Operations.
1. Air Traffic and Safety
2. Flight Procedures and Training
3. Flying
4. Crew scheduling

2.2 What is the primary function of the FCC
- Flight Dispatch
- Aircraft Performance
- Flight Watch
- Crew Scheduling

2.3 Describe the role of flight dispatcher.
- assists in planning flight paths
- taking into account aircraft performance and loading
- enroute winds,
- thunderstorm
- turbulence forecasts,
- airspace restrictions
- airport conditions.

2.4 Under what circumstances will a flight be rescheduled, rerouted and diverted?
- FOD
- Weather condition
- Medical Emergency
- Hydraulic Malfunction
- Unruly Passenger

Name 2 work-related skills you think are necessary to be a staff working in FCC/OCC. Explain the reasons for your choice.
- Problem Solving
To provide solution for a situation may lead to unwarranted
- Work under pressure
To be able to handle difficult situation under duress ]]> 2022-05-10 12:14:24 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2177478266 tutorial 3 - Group 4 https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2177494571 2.1 Describe the four major departments in Flight Operations.
· Flight dispatch
· a/c performance,
· flight watch,
· crew scheduling

2.2 What is the primary function of the FCC?
To ensure that the airline services operate with the least possible disruption or delay

2.3 Describe the role of flight dispatcher.
· Prepare Air Traffic Control flight plan
· Prepare nav/comms log
· Prepare fuel flight plan
· Diversion flight plan
· Weather forecast briefing
· NOTAM briefing
· Load control

2.4 Under what circumstances will a flight be rescheduled, rerouted and diverted?
Aircraft fault, weather, natural disaster

3. Name 2 work-related skills you think are necessary to be a staff working in FCC/OCC. Explain the reasons for your choice.

Attention to detail, able to work under pressure

]]> 2022-05-10 12:25:02 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2177494571 Tutorial 4 (Group 2) 2082274h1 https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2187508376 a. What criteria would you consider in planning for the primary, second and third alternates for a flight?
Ans: primary and secondary
-FINE criteria
-SUITABLE criteria
-ACCEPTABLE criteria
-destination weather and alternate weather (-/+ 2HRS)
-standard instrument app procedure
-weather forecast at estimated time of arrival
-fuel catered for alternate destination
-landing distance capability
third alternate requirement
if second alternate not suitable , third alternate must be able to accept flight

b. Why are Aircraft Weight and Balance critical for Flight Planning and Operations?
ans: ensure C of G will remain within the prescribed limits throughout the entire flight, and to be monitored c. What criteria must the aircraft and landing weights conform to with regard to the take-off, en-route and landing airports used? ANS:
-don’t exceed the aircraft meeting perf requirements for T/O and L/G and enroute. -calculations must be done for every flight and signed by PIC.
-items carried that are not included in the equipment list that forms part of the weight and balance report have been included in the weight calculations d. As the Pilot-in-charge (PIC) what is your responsibility with regard to items carried that are not included in the equipment list? ANS:
-ensure equipment is up to date in the list
-equipment is included in the weight calculations

Case study Discuss and analyse the following situation as a group. Deliberate on what you would do in the respective roles for the given situation and present your answers to the rest of the class. The Flight Duty Period (FDP) of a Technical Crew is 12.5 hours and their Flight Time Limitation (FTL) is 14 hours. While preparing for take-off, the Captain was advised by Air Traffic Control (ATC) that due to unexpected severe congestion, the Scheduled Time of Departure (STD) for the flight will be delayed by 2 hours. What action will you take in view of the FTL situation above if you are:

a. The Captain - EXTEND FTL , interview crew fatigue level , fatigue management and make decision b. The Station Manager – prepare BEST HOTEL for crew and pax and inform company , prepare for next departure( next day?)
| For this question work individually first before discussing as a group. You may refer to your lecture notes and the Flight Operations Manual Chapter 3 above to answer the following questions: 1. What are the primary responsibilities of the Commander of flight and FO (First Officer)?
flight safety
parameters
schedule
comfort
economy

2. What are the roles and responsibilities of the cabin crew pre-flight and during the flight?
safety and comfort of pax
reporting and abnormalities to flight deck

3. Why is there a need for commercial airlines to define standards and procedures?
-Competition
- standards to define themselves
- Money
- awards(skytrax)
- audit
- safety

4. While the scope of manuals vary according to the nature and complexity of the airline and the aircraft in use, name the instructions and information that usually form parts of the Operations Manual supplied by the airline to its operating staff.
Your Answers:
- OM(A)standard operating procedures
- OM(B) Equipments and Safety emer procedure
- OM(C) routes manual
- OM(D)training and checking manuals
-Company QRH(quick reference handbook) ]]> 2022-05-17 12:25:27 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2187508376 Tutorial 4 (Group 1) 2081853j https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2187570063 What criteria would you consider in planning for the primary, second and third alternates for a flight?
1. Distance of alternate(fuel considerations),
2. approaches into alternate,
3. expected weather at alternate vis a vis minima,
4. airline has station (services to handle stranded passengers, connecting flights?

Why are Aircraft Weight and Balance critical for Flight Planning and Operations?
1. Ensure C.G. is within limits,
2. take off within weight limits - MTOW

c. What criteria must the aircraft and landing weights conform to with regard to the take-off, en-route and landing airports used?

1. Below MTOW for take off,
2. below MLW for landing
3. Landing weights that result in greater landing distance than available at airport 4. Consideration for landing distances in wet/contaminated runways

d. As the Pilot-in-charge (PIC) what is your responsibility with regard to items carried that are not included in the equipment list?

Ensure proper loading, including load security, weight and weight distribution

a. The Captain – continue monitoring FDP, update AOC, station manager
b. The Station Manager – reschedule flight with new set of crew, consider if airline policies allow for augmented crew to extend FDT

1. What are the primary responsibilities of the Commander of flight and FO (First Officer)?
a. Safe conduct of flight from gate to gate b. Ensure aircraft weight and balance within limits
c. Ensure all documentation completed d. Conduct radio comms with ATC and with company as when required

2. What are the roles and responsibilities of the cabin crew pre-flight and during the flight?

a. Security and safety checks
b. Equipment checks in cabin
c. Prepared to respond to emergencies to ensure passengers’ safety
d. Look after passengers’ needs in terms of service

3. Why is there a need for commercial airlines to define standards and procedures?

a. Multi crew environment – large pool of crew and crew rosters vary from flight to flight. Need to have common set of procedures to ensure a group of people who have not met before are able to work together in an expected manner to maximise effectiveness.

b. need to state minimum standards that the crew are expected to perform to, to ensure minimum level of safety in the flight

4. While the scope of manuals vary according to the nature and complexity of the airline and the aircraft in use, name the instructions and information that usually form parts of the Operations Manual supplied by the airline to its operating staff.

IAW ICAO Annex 6 Appendix 2
1. Operations administration and supervision
2. Accident prevention and flight safety programme
3. Personnel training
4. Fatigue and flight time limitations
5. Flight operations
6. Aeroplane performance
7. Route guides and charts
8. Minimum flight altitudes
9. Aerodrome operating minima
10. Search and rescue
11. Dangerous goods
12. Navigation
13. Communications
14. Security
15. Human Factors ]]> 2022-05-17 13:03:19 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2187570063 Tutorial 4 (Group 4) https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2187602964 Based on your understanding of Sections 3.2 and 3.3. of the Flight Operations Manual above, discuss the following:

a. What criteria would you consider in planning for the primary, second and third alternates for a flight?

Ans :
1. Current weather reports and forecast
2. Alternatives or contingencies in case of the flight can be completed as planned.

b. Why are Aircraft Weight and Balance critical for Flight Planning and Operations?

Ans :
The load need to be distributed to ensure the centre of gravity remained within the prescribed limits throughout the entire flights and be monitored. It is imperative also to ensure the weights do not exceed as it may affects the performance requirements for take off, en-route and landing at any airport used.

c. What criteria must the aircraft and landing weights conform to with regard to the take-off, en-route and landing airports used?

Ans :
Aircraft take-off & landing weights shall not exceed that which would prelude the aircraft meeting performance requirements for take-off, en-route & landing at any airport used.

d. As the Pilot-in-charge (PIC) what is your responsibility with regard to items carried that are not included in the equipment list?

Ans :
The pilot-in-command will ensure that all items carried that are not included in the equipment list that forms part of the weight & balance report have been included in the weight calculations.

Case study

Discuss and analyse the following situation as a group. Deliberate on what you would do in the respective roles for the given situation and present your answers to the rest of the class.

The Flight Duty Period (FDP) of a Technical Crew is 12.5 hours and their Flight Time Limitation (FTL) is 14 hours. While preparing for take-off, the Captain was advised by Air Traffic Control (ATC) that due to unexpected severe congestion, the Scheduled Time of Departure (STD) for the flight will be delayed by 2 hours. What action will you take in view of the FTL situation above if you are:

a. The Captain

- Speak to atc if they can reduce delay to work within flight limitation time.

- Make decision with the station manager if the flight is confirmed.

b. The Station Manager

- Communicate with the captain

Make the decision to expedite the ground handling activities.

For this question work individually first before discussing as a group. You may refer to your lecture notes and the Flight Operations Manual Chapter 3 above to answer the following questions:

1. What are the primary responsibilities of the Commander of flight and FO (First Officer)?

The operational control of the flight, delegated by the commander of flight

2. What are the roles and responsibilities of the cabin crew pre-flight and during the flight?

Reporting to flight deck

3. Why is there a need for commercial airlines to define standards and procedures?

It is due to identifying themselves through airline standards

4. While the scope of manuals vary according to the nature and complexity of the airline and the aircraft in use, name the instructions and information that usually form parts of the Operations Manual supplied by the airline to its operating staff.

- OM(C) route manual
- OM(D) checking & training manual

]]> 2022-05-17 13:22:41 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2187602964 Tutorial 5 (Group 3) https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2197589073 1. Why is effective and optimal crew scheduling important to airlines?
- It is effective to assure a safe and efficient operation, reducing error, avoiding stress and increasing efficiency. Effective and optimal crew scheduling helps to overcome communication issues, poor decision-making, inadequate or undefined leadership, poor resource management and many other challenges.

2) What are some considerations used in the planning of a crew schedule?

• Should ensure that the cabin crew and flight attendants have adequate training to fly a variety of routes before planning a schedule. All crew routings should be maximized efficiently. Moreover, planners need to allocate enough resting time for the crew.

• Determine and plan personnel capacity

• Plan and manage crew schedules

• Determine and develop tasks, functions and assignments for various individuals and groups of personnel

• Manage the flight crews and record the amount of time each member works

• Come up with a reserve list for redundancy to prepare for emergencies

• Select replacements from the reserve list and notify them when they are needed

3. What is the first phase in crew scheduling? Describe what is involved?

• Crew pairing- A pairing is a sequence of connectable flight legs, within the same fleet, that starts from and ends at the same crew base, where the crew lives. A pairing is sometimes called an itinerary for the crew assigned to this journey. It typically spans from one to five days. To create tasks for crew members, the planners of an airline must generate a set of pairings to cover as many flight legs in a planning horizon as possible, with a cost as small as possible. Must be done while making sure that government, union and airline rules are satisfied.

]]> 2022-05-24 12:12:48 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2197589073 Tutorial 5 (Group 2) https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2197609116 1. Why is effective and optimal crew scheduling important to airlines?

It is to ensure that flights are scheduled in a fashion that will permit them to be safely and efficiently operated.

2. What are some considerations used in the planning of a crew schedule?

Crew rest, FDP, Fatigue management, off day, SEP, recurrency, A/C type rating, COF (change of flight), crew nationality, personal preference

3. What is the first phase in crew scheduling? Describe what is involved?

Crew pairing - a sequence of flight sectors, within the same fleet, that starts and ends at the same crew base

•to keep the crew with the same aircraft on multiple flight sectors as much as possible to reduce crew-related problems, such as delays and cancelled connecting flights. ¤Delayed, cancelled connecting flights result in deadheading or crew positioning i.e. crew is transported as non-revenue passengers.

•Optimization software using mathematical models are used to generate crew pairing solutions with high utilization of crew flying time, and minimum sit connection times.

4. Is the process of assigning the pilots similar to the cabin crew? Explain your answer.

The process of assigning cockpit crew and cabin crew are usually different as the cockpit crew members usually have the required licenses/type-ratings to fly only a specific fleet of aircraft, while cabin crew can be assigned to multiple fleet-types.

]]> 2022-05-24 12:28:07 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2197609116 Tutorial 5 (Group 4) https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2197615146 1. Why is effective and optimal crew scheduling important to airlines?

Ans :

2. What are some considerations used in the planning of a crew schedule?

Ans :

rest & flight duty time limitations
Experience in aircraft type
pilot currency requirements
seniority
schedule day/time off & annual leave
personal reference

3. What is the first phase in crew scheduling? Describe what is involved?

Ans :

to find a set a pairings that covers all flight & minimise the total crew cost through high utilisation of crew flying time, while making sure that government, union & airline rules are satisfied

4. Is the process of assigning the pilots similar to the cabin crew? Explain your answer.

Ans :

No, they are usually different as the pilot crew members usually have the required licenses/type-ratings to fly only a specific fleet of aircraft, while cabin crew can be assigned to multiple fleet-types.

]]> 2022-05-24 12:32:38 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2197615146 Tutorial 5 (Group 1) 2081846d1 https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2197846117 1. Why is effective and optimal crew scheduling important to airlines?

Effective and optimal crew scheduling ca translate into large cost savings, which staff costs is a large expenditure item.

2. What are some considerations used in the planning of a crew schedule?

- Rest and flight duty time limitations regulated by CAA and airline company policy

- Experience in aircraft type, A330, A350, A380, B777, B787 etc

- Crew member currency requirements

- Seniority – senior crew members usually fly the newer, faster planes

- Schedule day/time off and annual leave

- Personal preferences: festive season and special occasions where possible

3. What is the first phase in crew scheduling? Describe what is involved?

Crew Pairing: a sequence of flight sectors, within the same fleet, that starts and ends at the same crew base.

- Objective is to find a set of pairings that covers all flights and minimize the total crew cost though high utilization of crew flying time while making sure that government, union and airline rules are satisfied. This phrase does not deal with individual crew members and is also referred to as an “impersonal” phrase.

- The airline normally attempts to keep the crew with the same aircraft on multiple flight sectors as much as possible to reduce crew-related problems such as delays and cancelled connecting flights.

- Delayed, cancelled connecting flights result in deadheading or crew positioning, such as crew transported as non-revenue passengers.

Crew Rostering: a process of assigning individual members to crew pairings, usually

on a monthly basis.

- Assigning high priority employees to high priority pairings

- Developing monthly rosters for individual crew members based on their requests

- Developing monthly rosters without considering the crew requests.

3. Is the process of assigning the pilots similar to the cabin crew? Explain your answer.

The process of assigning technical crew and cabin crew are usually different as the technical crew usually have the required licenses or type-ratings to fly only a specific fleet of aircraft, whereas cabin crew members can be assigned to multiple fleet types

]]> 2022-05-24 14:54:28 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2197846117 Tutorial 1 (Group 1) https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2200590354 1. As the “Aircraft Manufacturer”, identify at least 2 factors that have significant effect on the flight performance of your aeroplane.

Weight – heavier weight, from increased payload, materials used in construction or higher fuel uplift would result in aircraft needing more powerful engines to sustain flight

Wingspan and wing design – longer wingspan results in more lift and aircraft can glide longer.

2. As the “Pilot” what are the key considerations to ensure you execute a “safe” and on target flight path.

Maintenance – operating an aircraft that is within MEL and has conducted the necessary maintenance checks (A/B/C/D). checking the tech log to understand the various ADDLs

Flight routing – understanding the flight routing for that sector and the expected en-route weather. Appreciating the geo-political and environmental conditions of the various airspace that aircraft will transit through, e.g. volcano eruption, war zone, and avoiding those areas

Training, currency, crew pairing – being qualified to operate and have valid licenses, met currency requirements and crew pairing is done appropriately

Procedures – being conversant with airline procedures for normal operations and being ready to respond to emergencies

3. What are the key responsibilities of “Maintenance and Engineering” in keeping the aeroplane airworthy and efficient?.

• Responsible for the safe and efficient condition of flight and ground equipment

• Operates maintenance and overhaul facilities for repair, periodic checks, and overhaul of airframe, components, avionics, and engines

• Line-service activities and inspections

• Maintenance of Ground Power Unit (GPU) and other ground-support equipment

• Represent the airline with respect to regulations on maintenance and engineering.

4. List and discuss 2 other factors (external or/and internal) that will affect your flight operations.

Industrial Action – affects supply side of production as staff on strike will impact generation and operations of flights

Pandemics/Recessions – affects demand side of flight ops as number of travellers could decrease drastically and there may be restriction on travels such as flight bans, need to comply with extra quarantine/testing requirements

]]> 2022-05-26 08:07:54 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2200590354 Tutorial 2 (Group 1) https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2200630823 1. What is the main responsibilities/objectives of airline operations?

Operations is responsible for production in the airline conversion process. It must deliver the “product” to the passenger.

Operations is charged with operating and maintaining all the equipment used to support the conversion, and it has always been a crucial element in the success of an airline.

Ground ops
Flight ops
Engineering & Maintenance

2. List the key responsibilities of Ground Operations.

Responsible for the administration of stations, ground facilities, and support equipment.
Keeps close contact with various government agencies (local, state, national and foreign) with respect to regulatory affairs
VP Ground Operations acts as company spokesperson in airport matters and is responsible for airline’s facilities at its station
If airport is a crew layover base, negotiate all related contracts for hotels, meals, and transportation

3. What are the key functions of Flight Operations?

Establish flight operations policies, procedures, and standards to meet regulatory requirements
Monitor all aspect of route flying
Ensure flight safety, efficiency, and standardization
Responsible for all flight crew members and other flight operations personnel
Evaluate schedule performance

Overnight Maintenance (1 to 2 hours inspection) to ensure planes is operating in accordance with OEM’s minimum equipment list
A-Check (Approx. every 125 flight hours (2-3 weeks))
Amplified preflight inspection of the fuselage exterior, power plant and avionics to ascertain general condition of aircraft.
B-Check (Approx. every 750 flight hours (3-4 weeks))
check + preventive maintenance, oil filters removed and checked, parts are lubricated, and the airframe examined
C-Check (Approx. every 3,000 flight hours)
Incorporates A+B checks. Components repaired, flight controls are calibrated, and major internal mechanisms are tested. Also includes a post-check flight test.
D-Check (Approx. every 20,000 flight hours/ 6-8 years)
Cabin interiors (including seats, galleys, lavatories, cockpit, furnishings, and sidewalls) are removed to enable careful structural inspection and cracks.

5. What are some of the main factors that would influence airline operations?

24/7 operations with widely dispersed time differentials and varying work patterns/holidays
Varying weather conditions
Unpredictable circumstances
Regulatory repression and curfews

]]> 2022-05-26 08:54:11 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2200630823 Tutorial 6 (Group 2) 2082274h1 https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2205576352 Activity 2 – Aircraft Loading

1. Why is there a need to have proper weight control in aircraft loading? How will improper loading affect flight operations?

¤ Proper weight control is required for aircraft safety and efficiency

¤ Improper loading and overloading will affect aircraft speed, rate of climb, range and maneuverability. Excessive loads will impose on aircraft structure, especially the landing gear.

2. Explain how manual aircraft loading is being processed. What are the 3 aircraft weight limits used in airworthiness?

- Aircraft loading are processed manually using loadsheets and by highly sophisticated software

- Maximum Weights (airworthiness limits)
- Maximum Zero Fuel Weight (MZFW)
- Maximum Take-off Weight (MTOW)
- Maximum Landing Weight (MLW)

3. Explain the concept of Mean Aerodynamic Chord (MAC).

• MAC is the chord of an imaginary rectangular wing that has the same aerodynamic characteristics as the actual wing.

• Is a two-dimensional resonation of the whole wing.]]> 2022-05-31 06:14:57 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2205576352 Tutorial 8 (Group 2) 2082274h1 https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2232406584 1. Explain the fundamental aspects of passenger service

· Processing of arriving, departing and transit/transfer passengers

Ø This is the responsibility of airline operators and/or their handling agents. As the quality of passenger handling service has direct impact on the airline image, some airlines have their own staff to perform or oversee passenger handling functions.

Ø To cater to the interests and needs of airlines, some ground handling companies may deploy dedicated teams trained to serve their major airline customers.

· Providing facilities and space for these processes

Ø Most of the facilities to handle passengers e.g. Counters, gate hold rooms are provided by the airport operators. Ground handlers should work closely with the airport operators to ensure that facilities and space provided for passenger handling facilitate and enhance the quality of passenger service and experience.

Ø Airlines and ground handlers may also offer additional facilities and services, e.g.. CUSS, off-airport check-in.

2. What are the service quality standards relevant to passenger service?

Ø Max queuing time at check in counter – 15 – 20 minutes

Ø Max queuing time at transfer counter – 5 – 10 minutes

3. Explain 4 different concept of check-in available to passengers.

Ø Individual flight check-in concept

· Passengers for a particular flight can be handled at one or several counters reserved for that flight.

· Passenger data and booking details are downloaded from the reservation system to the Departure Control System (DCS).

· Charter flights and Low-cost carriers (LCC) tend to use this type of check-in, but with few desks which can result in long queues. As LCCs may board without seat assignment but by order of check-in, the queues may form before the check-in counter opens.

Ø Common check-in concept

· Passengers can check-in at any counter of the given airline or handling agent. It requires computer technology (e.g.. CUTE/CUPPS) to support this method of handling.

· Has advantage of an equal load on all check-in counters

· Sometimes may result in relatively longer handling time of those flights which would have had short queues.

Ø Self-check-in kiosk

· To minimise congestion, speed up the check-in process and decrease the requirements on the number of staff, some airlines have introduced self-check-in kiosk with Automatic Ticket and Boarding (ATB) system.

Ø CUSS

§ IATA has introduced the Common Use Self-Service (CUSS) system which is the common use version of the ATB.

§ CUSS kiosk can also be located throughout the airport, off-airport in hotels (e.g.. Vancouver), railway stations (e.g.. Tokyo).

Ø Bar coded boarding pass (BCBP)

· IATA is also implementing the Bar Coded Boarding Passes (BCBP) programme to enable passenger to check-in through internet access and print their own boarding pass remotely from home/office.

4. Describe the arrival passenger flow.

Arrival gate – Transit – Immigration – Baggage claim area – Arrival curbside

5. What are the basic expectations of transfer passengers?

o Good signage system for direction and information. Eg. Flight information display showing transfer counters and connecting terminal/boarding gate

o Short queue and processing time at transfer counter

o Short walking distance to the connecting flight

o Baggage to be transferred on the connecting flight by handling agent

6. List the different functions and activities of transfer passenger handling

• Transfer passengers arrive at the transfer point and depart on a different aircraft and airline/flight number.

• On arrival at the transfer point, transfer passengers will be separated from arriving passengers and directed to the transfer counter for check-in to onward connecting flight.

7. How transfer passengers should be handled to ensure timely transfer to their connecting aircraft?

• If connecting flight is from another terminal, passengers and baggage will need to be transferred to the terminal within the Minimum Connection Time (MCT).

• As transfer baggage accounts for most of the baggage mishandling, passengers (and their baggage) should be “checked-through” to their destination as far as possible.

8. What are the basic considerations in bussing operations?

• Passengers’ comfort - Condition of the bus, sufficient standing rooms for passengers with luggage and low floor for easy boarding of the bus

• Pprocessing time - Longer processing time due to the travelling distance to remote stand

• Control of passenger movements - security concern during transfer of passengers between the airside bus and aircraft

]]> 2022-06-28 12:08:48 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2232406584 Tutorial 8 (Group 4) https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2232415347 1. Explain the fundamental aspects of passenger service

1. Processing of arriving, departing and transit/transfer passengers

- This is the responsibility of airline operators and/or their handling agents. As the quality of passenger handling service has direct impact on the airline image, some airlines have their own staff to perform or oversee passenger handling functions.

To cater to the interests and needs of airlines, some ground handling companies may deploy dedicated teams trained to serve their major airline customers.

2. Providing facilities and space for these processes

- Most of the facilities to handle passengers e.g. Counters, gate holdrooms are provided by the airport operators. Ground handlers should work closely with the airport operators to ensure that facilities and space provided for passenger handling facilitate and enhance the quality of passenger service and experience.

-Airlines and ground handlers may also offer additional facilities and services, e.g.. CUSS, off-airport check-in.

2. What are the service quality standards relevant to passenger service?

IATA recommends level of service for passenger handling in the

Airport Development Reference Manual:

. Max Queuing time at Check in Counter - 15 - 20 minutes

. Max Queuing time at Transfer Counter – 5 - 10 minutes

•Passenger processing - Level of Service & Space Requirement

IATA provides the guidelines on the space to be provided in airport planning:

3. Explain 4 different concept of check-in available to passengers.

- Individual flight check-in concept
Passengers for a particular flight can be handled at one or several counters reserved for that flight.

- Common check-in concept
Passengers can check-in at any counter of the given airline or handling agent. It requires computer technology (e.g.. CUTE/CUPPS) to support this method of handling.

- Self Check-in Kiosk
To minimise congestion, speed up the check-in process and decrease the requirements on the number of staff, some airlines have introduced self check-in kiosk with Automatic Ticket and Boarding (ATB) system.

- CUSS
IATA has introduced the Common Use Self-Service (CUSS) system which is the common use version of the ATB.

4. Describe the arrival passenger flow.

•On arrival, passengers should be greeted and directed (or accompanied for passengers with special requirements) to the arrival immigration.

•At the immigration, arrival passengers can be divided into several channels according to their nationality and visa regulations. For business or frequent travellers, automated control is available at some airports.

•Where necessary, a health control may follow after immigration.

•Passengers collect their checked-baggage and go through the customs. Red channel for those with goods to declare and green channel for others. In EU airports, a blue channel can be found for EU nationals where special customs regulations apply.

•Basic Expectations of arrival passengers are:

¤ Aircraft to be parked at a contact gate so that they can walk straight into the terminal

¤ Good signage system for direction and information. E.g. Flight information display showing baggage claim belt.

¤ Short queue and processing time at immigration and other formalities

¤ Special service for passengers with needs, e.g. wheelchair passengers, unaccompanied minors, elderly passengers.
¤ Fast baggage delivery to the baggage claim belt.

¤ Good ground transportation system to City

5. What are the basic expectations of transfer passengers?

¤ Good signage system for direction and information. Eg. Flight information display showing transfer counters and connecting terminal/boarding gate

¤ Short queue and processing time at transfer counter

¤ Short walking distance to the connecting flight

¤ Baggage to be transferred on the connecting flight by handling agent

6. List the different functions and activities of transfer passenger handling

•Transfer passengers arrive at the transfer point and depart on a different aircraft and airline/flight number.

•On arrival at the transfer point, transfer passengers will be separated from arriving passengers and directed to the transfer counter for check-in to onward connecting flight.

7. How transfer passengers should be handled to ensure timely transfer to their connecting aircraft?

•Transfer passengers arrive at the transfer point and depart on a different aircraft and airline/flight number.

•On arrival at the transfer point, transfer passengers will be separated from arriving passengers and directed to the transfer counter for check-in to onward connecting flight.
•If connecting flight is from another terminal, passengers and baggage will need to be transferred to the terminal within the Minimum Connection Time (MCT).

•As transfer baggage accounts for most of the baggage mishandling, passengers (and their baggage) should be “checked-through” to their final destination as far as possible.

•At the transfer point, priority handling should be given to transfer baggage. Passengers must be informed where they should collect their baggage for customs clearance, etc.

•Passengers connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight will need to clear immigration and customs first before they check-in to the domestic flight.

8. What are the basic considerations in bussing operations?

•Passengers’ comfort - Condition of the bus, sufficient standing rooms for passengers with luggage and low floor for easy boarding of the bus

•Processing time - Longer processing time due to the travelling distance to remote stand

•Control of passenger movements - security concern during transfer of passengers between the airside bus and aircraft

]]> 2022-06-28 12:22:29 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2232415347 Tutorial 8:Passenger, Baggage and Cargo Services (Part 1 Passenger Services) Chua Yun Hui, Alan Loh, Wan Kit, Bryan , Jian Hui https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2232417394 ;]]> 2022-06-28 12:25:20 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2232417394 Tutorial 9 Baggage Handling :Chua Yun Hui, Alan Loh, Wan Kit, Bryan , Jian Hui https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2237248671 1. List the handling process of departure, transfer and arrival bags

Departure baggage handling process

Weighing at check-in counter
Tagging with baggage tags
Transferring to baggage make-up area for loading into containers (ULDs) or trolleys (loose bags)
Transferring from the make-up area to aircraft; and
Loading into the aircraft

Arrival baggage handling process

Unloading from aircraft – containerized bags or loose ones
Transfer to trolleys, trailers or dollies
Tow to the claim belts
Offload onto the claim belts

Loading of Transfer Bags in the arriving aircraft:

• Mixed containers – loaded together with terminating (local ) bags

• Through containers – all bags have been sorted for a single destination at the upstream station

• Baggage Transfer (BT) containers – all bags are transfer bags which are meant for different destinations

2. What is IATA’s recommendation on calculation of transfer baggage delivery time?

Unloading time for arrival aircraft – 2½ minutes for equipment positioning prior to unloading plus time for unloading at 13 bags/minute

Delivery time – Travel time from the most remote stand to the unloading the first bag at the last baggage drop point

Unloading time – unloading of bags at 12 bags/minute/man

Loading time – average time for sorting, build-up, movement to aircraft and loading of transfer baggage on the busiest day.

3. Name the following equipment and explain their functions in arrival baggage handling:

(A) Belt loaders are vehicles with an attached conveyor belt that is used for loading and unloading baggage from an aircraft. The loader is positioned at the opening of the baggage compartment, the baggage is loaded on the belt, and it is carried to the entrance where it is loaded.
(B) JCPL. Easy to operate, easy to maintain, highly reliable, and with unmatched resale potential, Commander Loaders excel at providing value. They’re the obvious choice for anyone requiring best-of-class ground support equipment.

4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of hold baggage screening system installed in the baggage handling system?

Advantage: Fast, lesser man power

Disadvantages: take up a lot of space

required Contracting States to have the facility and capacity to screen all transfer bags transiting through their international airports.

5. What is Local Baggage Committee (LBC)? Elaborate what you know about LBC.

• A LBC is an organisation of airline managers which meets at least once a month to identify, analyse and solve local interline transfer baggage handling problems.

• IATA requires that a LBC be established at all airports where:

1. there is at least one IATA member;

2. there are more than 3 scheduled carriers;

3. interline baggage is transferred between carriers; and/or

4. One IATA member is handled by another carrier or non-airline ground handler

• One of the major tasks of the LBC is the setting and review of interline baggage delivery time to ensure that it meets the established MCT at the airport.

6. Describe the translation of the 10-digit bar code on the baggage tag.

1^st position

0 = interline tag

1 = “fallback” tag (for sortation systems)

2 = interline expedite tag

3 -9= interline and online use (values defined by carrier)

]]> 2022-07-05 12:51:05 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2237248671 Tutorial 9 (Group 4) https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2237252211 1. List the handling process of departure, transfer and arrival bags

Departure baggage handling process

1.Weighing at check-in counter

2.Tagging with baggage tags

3.Transferring to baggage make-up area for loading into containers (ULDs) or trolleys (loose bags)

4.Transferring from the make-up area to aircraft; and

5.Loading into the aircraft

Arrival baggage handling process

1.Unloading from aircraft – containerized bags or loose ones

2.Transfer to trolleys, trailers or dollies

3.Tow to the claim belts

4.Offload onto the claim belts

Interline Transfer Bags

Arriving by one carrier and connecting to another carrier

Online Transfer Bags

Arriving by one carrier and connecting to another flight operated by the same carrier

2. What is IATA’s recommendation on calculation of transfer baggage

delivery time?

Transfer Baggage Delivery Time = 2 + 3 + 4 + 5

3. Name the following equipment and explain their functions in arrival baggage handling:

1. Baggage trolley - Tow to transfer belt
2. Baggage dollies - transfer to aircraft

4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of hold baggage screening system installed in the baggage handling system?

Advantage : screened prior to being loaded into the aircraft
Disadvantage : due to the screening time, it reduces the speed of the baggage handling system (BHS)

5. What is Local Baggage Committee (LBC)? Elaborate what you know about LBC.

•A LBC is an organisation of airline managers which meets at least once a month to identify, analyse and solve local interline transfer baggage handling problems.

•IATA requires that a LBC be established at all airports where:

1.there is at least one IATA member;

2.there are more than 3 scheduled carriers;

3.interline baggage is transferred between carriers; and/or

4.One IATA member is handled by another carrier or non-airline ground handler

6. Describe the translation of the 10-digit bar code on the baggage tag.

The first digit is the Baggage Tag Issuer Code, the next three digits identify the carrier airline, followed by a rolling number that resets when it gets to the last digit.

]]> 2022-07-05 12:56:09 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2237252211 Tutorial 8 - Group 2 2082274h1 https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2237252254 2022-07-05 12:56:14 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2237252254 Tutorial 10:Pax, Baggage and Cargo Services (Part 3 Cargo Services) group 1 https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2241812471 2022-07-12 11:53:33 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2241812471 Tutorial 10 - Group 2 2082274h1 https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2241816839 Activity 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS-scXNZJxs

]]> 2022-07-12 12:03:41 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2241816839 Tutorial 10 (Group 4) https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2241827851
Activity 1

In your groups search for a video online that shows how dangerous goods, live animals or human remains are handled and share the video with the rest of the class during the tutorial.

Link : https://youtu.be/a8Pzy91bgpQ

Activity 2

Discuss the following in your groups and create a power point presentation for sharing during class:

1. What are the types of cargo commonly carried by aircraft?

Express cargo
General cargo
Special cargo

2. Compare the flow of cargo with passengers and describe the similarities and differences.

There are fundamental differences between passenger and freight transport systems since they commonly move through separate conveyances and, occasionally, on separate networks. However, the differences are the most acute at their respective terminals since they involve facilities that are often at different locations. For rail transportation, passenger and freight terminals are at very different locations. Airports have distinct facilities for passengers and freight within the complex. A similar observation applies for ports where cruise and ferry terminals are distinct from other freight-only facilities such as bulk and container terminals

3. What are the different types of aircraft that are commonly used for cargo? What are their capacities?

Passenger aircraft 20tons/100m3
Freight carrier B747-8 147tons/700m3

4. How are cargo packed and prepared for loading on aircraft? Describe the different types of standard loading devices used by airlines.

ULD
High loader / JCPL
Bulk Cargo Loader
Dollies

5. Describe the process flow for the loading and unloading of cargo to/from an aircraft to the airfreight terminal.

How air cargo is unloaded involves fewer steps for airport cargo and ground handlers than the shipping and loading process. There are still many rules and regulations cargo and ground handling personnel must comply with, however. Following ramp safety protocols while performing tasks in a methodical manner help alleviate accidents and keep aircraft turnaround times in check. According to the IATA Cargo Handling Manual, the following are the specific steps to unloading air cargo:

Unload and dispatch shipment to warehouse
Check-in shipments
Arrive shipments
Hand over shipments to forwarder

6. What are dangerous goods? How should dangerous goods be handled?

- articles or substances that are capable of posing a significant risk to health, safety or to property when transported by air
•Before accepting DG from a shipper, the cargo agent and/or the airline must check whether the shipper complied with all the regulations

7. What kind of cargo would be considered valuable cargo? How should valuable cargo be handled?

8. How are live animals and human remains handled and loaded on aircraft?

9. Explain what perishable cargo is and how such cargo should be handled.

]]> 2022-07-12 12:25:40 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2241827851 Tutorial 11 - Group 2 2082274h1 https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2246143213 2022-07-19 11:57:11 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2246143213 Tutorial 11 & 12 (Group 4) https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2246166622 1. What is the industry norm for punctuality targets? What is the rationale for this industry practice? Do you think it is an appropriate practice? Why?

- On Time Departure
- Significance of Airline Punctuality

Planning to ensure high standards of punctuality is a central product & service delivery issue and a key competitive differentiator, both in positive and negative ways for all airlines.

More importantly, punctual airlines appear to be more profitable. Research shows that major airlines with above average punctuality rates have been more profitable than those with lower than average punctuality performance (see Exhibit 1).

2. What is the cost implication for airlines with regard to punctuality? Explain the two major punctuality trade-offs that airlines must take a stance.

According to AEA (the Association of European Airlines), the average punctuality for intra-European flights was 74.5% in 2000. Research shows that one of the top carriers performing at this level carries €100-400 million in annual delay costs.

For each percentage point improvement in punctuality, there is a potential profit improvement of €4 -16 million, depending on the size of the airline.

•Considering the delay costs, airlines must weigh two major punctuality trade-offs:

1.Punctuality vs Revenue

Maintaining slots at peak times during the day, short connecting times and tight turnaround times may increase revenue in the short term. However, in the long run, they may affect punctuality and become counter-productive to revenue maximisation.

2.Punctuality vs Cost and Equipment Utilisation

One of the most obvious and easy measures to improve punctuality is to remove bottlenecks and add capacity (e.g. The number of aircraft, longer turnaround time, and more ground staff and equipment). However, this will increase airline fixed costs.

3. Explain how airlines can improve punctuality through schedule planning and control.

Network Planning and Control

Integrated planning process – all planning entities and processes should be integrated (e.g. pax, cargo, catering). The plans for each function must connect seamlessly to those of prior and consecutive functions.

Appropriate block, ground and slack time deployment. Adding slack to the schedule is expensive. A possible solution is to identify flights where the punctuality impact on the total schedule is the highest and add some appropriate buffers for them and tighten time frames for other, less critical flights.

Statistical capability - Using historical data and simulations, airlines can carry out “what-if” analysis to simulate schedule changes and their impact on punctuality.

Operational procedures and control on the actual flight operations is another critical success factor, especially for hub operations. Major operational functions (e.g. check-in, gate boarding, apron handling) should be centralised and be driven by integrated processes, systems and a common command structure.

One way around such operational difficulties is to use uncongested, often remote, airports where delays due to congestion are less likely to occur. This practice is adopted by many low cost carriers.

4. Besides schedule planning and aircraft availability, what else can airlines do to push for punctuality?

Significant improvements in on-time performance at a low price can be achieved through focused process engineering in ground operations and in the departure process.

Sound ground operations are based on solid up-front plans and process designs as well as on highly motivated people through the empowerment of front line staff, combined with a high level of discipline supported by adequate incentive schemes.

With increasingly outsourcing of ground operations, airlines need to closely monitor and assess the timely performance of the ground handling processes.

Performance indicators related to the critical departure process are essential and should be included in the contractual agreements with the suppliers or ground handlers.

5. What impact does fleet planning and fleet structure have on punctuality? How does the airline engineering and maintenance support punctuality?

Fleet planning and structure ie. the variation and types of aircraft in an airline fleet will have an impact on punctuality.

Vulnerability to version and equipment changes, or spare part logistics problems, has a direct impact on the ability to quickly restore punctual operations after irregularities.

Airlines must decide on the number of reserve aircraft and deploy them carefully and avoid simply using them as a buffer for maintenance requirements.

Unscheduled maintenance is a major driver of low aircraft availability rates. An airline seeking to achieve the best possible punctuality record will need a substantial line maintenance capability, to ensure that technical problems can be corrected as soon as they arise. A considerable investment in spares will be required for the same reasons.

6.
i. How many distinct stages of a delay are there? Briefly describe each stage.

ii. How would you characterise the response of the –

a. Passengers (Customers)

b. Airline

c. Authorities

iii. If you are the Airline Representative, what would you do differently?

iv. Put yourself in the shoes of the customer. How would you have liked to be treated and serviced by the Airline in a delay?

]]> 2022-07-19 12:49:18 UTC https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2246166622 Tutorial 11 & 12 - Group 2 2082274h1 https://padlet.com/flyranofly/v1kflbeva6znlwwg/wish/2249912913 Airline Punctuality

1. What is the industry norm for punctuality targets? What is the rationale for this industry practice? Do you think it is an appropriate practice? Why?

• Punctuality targets used to be defined in terms of 15-minute punctuality, ie. A flight is still counted as departing on-time, if the plane goes off-blocks within 15 minutes of the scheduled time of departure.

• However, due to the highly competitive environment more and more airlines are adopting zero tolerance whereby even 1 minute delay a delay.

• Although on-time arrivals are important for connections and aircraft rotation, for the passenger it is departure punctuality that defines his or her impression of an airline’s on-time performance.

• To be competitive, airlines should strive for a 100% punctuality strategy.

• The Fundamental Service Requirement

- Carriage of Passenger & Baggage from Point A to Point B as scheduled.

- Conditions of Carriage.

2. What is the cost implication for airlines with regard to punctuality? Explain the two major punctuality trade-offs that airlines must take a stance.

Ø According to AEA (the Association of European Airlines), the average punctuality for intra-European flights was 74.5% in 2000. Research shows that one of the top carriers performing at this level carries €100-400 million in annual delay costs.

Ø For each percentage point improvement in punctuality, there is a potential profit improvement of €4 -16 million, depending on the size of the airline.

· Punctuality vs Revenue

Maintaining slots at peak times during the day, short connecting times and tight turnaround times may increase revenue in the short term. However, in the long run, they may affect punctuality and become counter-productive to revenue maximization

· Punctuality vs Cost and Equipment Utilization

One of the most obvious and easy measures to improve punctuality is to remove bottlenecks and add capacity (e.g. The number of aircraft, longer turnaround time, and more ground staff and equipment). However, this will increase airline fixed costs.

3. Explain how airlines can improve punctuality through schedule planning and control.

Ø Network Planning and Control

Integrated planning process – all planning entities and processes should be integrated (e.g. pax, cargo, catering). The plans for each function must connect seamlessly to those of prior and consecutive functions.

Appropriate block, ground and slack time deployment. Adding slack to the schedule is expensive. A possible solution is to identify flights where the punctuality impact on the total schedule is the highest and add some appropriate buffers for them and tighten time frames for other, less critical flights.

Statistical capability - Using historical data and simulations, airlines can carry out “what-if” analysis to simulate schedule changes and their impact on punctuality

Ø Aircraft Availability

Operational procedures and control on the actual flight operations is another critical success factor, especially for hub operations. Major operational functions (e.g., check-in, gate boarding, apron handling) should be centralized and be driven by integrated processes, systems, and a common command structure.

Ø Ground Operations and Departure Process

Fleet planning and structure ie. the variation and types of aircraft in an airline fleet will have an impact on punctuality.

Vulnerability to version and equipment changes, or spare part logistics problems, has a direct impact on the ability to quickly restore punctual operations after irregularities.

Airlines must decide on the number of reserve aircraft and deploy them carefully and avoid simply using them as a buffer for maintenance requirements.

4. Besides schedule planning and aircraft availability, what else can airlines do to push for punctuality?

Ground Operations and Departure Process

¤ Significant improvements in on-time performance at a low price can be achieved through focused process engineering in ground operations and in the departure process.

¤ Sound ground operations are based on solid up-front plans and process designs as well as on highly motivated people through the empowerment of front-line staff, combined with a high level of discipline supported by adequate incentive schemes.

5. What impact does fleet planning and fleet structure have on punctuality? How does the airline engineering and maintenance support punctuality?

Delay Management

6. Based on the youtube video https://youtu.be/cfsqu4mFl3I

of a flight delay that you have viewed as part of your pre class activity, discuss the following in your groups and present your findings :-

i. How many distinct stages of a delay are there? Briefly describe each stage.

a. Short and Long, Major and Minor Delays

b. Diversions & Disruptions

c. Types of Delays

d. Delay Reason & Identification of Root Cause

e. Information, Coordination & Networking

f. Resource Availability (Crew & Spares)

g. Aircraft Availability

h. Creeping Delays & AOGs

i. Trouble Shooting & Rectification

j. Setting of Provisional Estimated Time of Departure (PETD)

k. Operational and Customer Service Considerations

ii. How would you characterise the response of the –

a. Passengers (Customers)

b. Airline

c. Authorities

iii. If you are the Airline Representative, what would you do differently?

· Offer solutions

· Roll out service recovery

iv. Put yourself in the shoes of the customer. How would you have liked to be treated and serviced by the Airline in a delay?

7. You are the airline manager, create a checklist to ensure that a delay is handled effectively ensuring that operational integrity and customer service are upheld to the required standard (This part of the tutorial is to be discussed and prepared in groups as part of pre-class activity).

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