Jettly
26th Nov 2016, 19:09
With maintenance issues and things happening always on the fly with little warning, what systems are used by airlines and charter operators to track the status and whereabouts of aircraft to help the charter operators best plan and position their aircraft?
Obviously I understand it would be gps based but what software handles all of this and does it tie in to the aircrafts onboard GPS some how?
Thanks!!
dany4kin
30th Nov 2016, 10:23
In my experience airlines will tend to use a GANTT chart based system. Imagine an excel spreadsheet - down the left hand side will be each of your aircraft, and along the top will be time. Each 'cell' would then be filled with either ground time or flying time with the departing and arriving stations at each end.
A window of some sort would give give specific details on each flight such as passenger figures, delay information etc.
Using this display you can manipulate your flying program to make changes to the routing of aircraft.
Some systems are tied in to many other systems such as ACARS communications to aircraft, Crew Management systems to monitor crew flying hours as well as maintenance systems so that planned maintenance can be shown during the ground time. Larger airlines will likely have some sort of messaging connection as well, so as aircraft depart and arrive this will not only send messages to the relevant areas (via email or SITA) but will also tie in to airport screens and the flight status area of the airline's website.
Hope this was helpful