How does Planex Optimal Crew work?
The solution is based on complex numerical methods and algorithms for solving a discrete optimization problem.
Load input data
Optimal Crew calculation
Choosing the best plan
Plan download
Data, including flight schedule,
personnel data, and pre-assignments, is imported from the airline master
system into Optimal Crew.
Based on the loaded data, a crew planner launches parallel calculations of pairings/ rosters, each with different configured rule sets and priorities.
E.g., two pairing calculation scenarios – one with minimal costs and another one with minimal crew utilization.
After the calculations were completed, a crew planner analyses and compares optimized plans in Optimal Crew using its comprehensive statistics to determine the best one for the Company.
E.g., one plan saves XX K/M USD for the Company, while another one is executed
with fewer crews.
The selected plan is exported from Optimal Crew into the airline master system for its further processing and work with it in the master system.
What are your benefits from Planex Optimal Crew
Legality:
automatic compliance with legislative requirements
Increased transparency: formalization of the Company specific rules and their setup to the best suit its planning process, limitations and goals in a clear and manageable way
Time efficiency:
reduction of planning time from two or more weeks to one hour
Scenario analysis:
simultaneous generation of multiple plans based on different input data,
limitations and rule sets
with their further comparison
Fairness:
even distribution of flight/working hours, night duties, layovers, days off, etc.
Comprehensive statistics:
over 50 different metrics
allowing for the crew roster analysis in terms of finance, coverage, quality and resource sufficiency
The crew planning process is complex and requires significant cognitive load to develop effective plans
The complexities of the process
A large number of activities for planning
vacations, training, medical examinations, reserves, flight activities.
Variability of solutions
distribution of flights across bases, turn-around/relay pairings,
equal distribution of work/minimization of crew expenses.
Variability of the external environment
constant changes in schedules.
"Domino effect" when changing the plan
one change leads to a chain reaction due to the close
connection of all activities.
Complexity of synchronizing the process
the need to constantly align the information field
of the entire planning group.
Common patterns of plan construction
schemes for creating a plan formed over years of experience.
A multitude of factors to consider
flight schedule, regulations, company policies, crew qualifications, bases/hubs, crew preferences, costs.
Our solution
Hosts in a cloud environment and doesn't require any additional hardware or software
Works in a web browser and utilizes a well designed web interface
Requires only to setup an integration with the tracking system to start working
Proves its effectiveness - we will make a POV to demonstrate how it can help to reduce crew costs