In the previous issue of our newsletter, we discussed how to reduce the risk of “bending aircraft” caused by overly fatiguing work schedules (link). In this issue, we’ll delve into how this can be achieved without driving up costs—and perhaps even while reaping benefits in other aspects of your crew solution.
The crew pairing and rostering optimizers operate within a framework of hard constraints (rules) that define the “solution space” for the created working patterns. When certain patterns are prohibited, the solution space narrows, which can inadvertently exclude some valuable options. So how can we identify those missed opportunities and improve the rules?
Let’s use an example. Suppose there’s a rule limiting the maximum number of consecutive night duties to two. Let's say night duties here are defined as any flight duty period overlapping midnight to 05:00. While this rule would appropriately ban a schedule with three consecutive duties spanning 23:00–04:00, it would also prohibit three consecutive duties spanning 19:00–00:05. The latter case being much less problematic in terms of fatigue risk.
Now imagine refining this rule so it only applies if any flight in the working pattern is predicted to exceed a certain sleepiness threshold, based on a validated bio-mathematical fatigue model. Makes sense, right? If the rule exists to limit fatigue, it should only be enforced when it’s actually addressing fatigue risks, using the best available scientific representation.
The Jeppesen crew pairing and rostering optimizers make it easy to implement such “exceptions.” By running planning simulations, a user can identify the most valuable rules to consider re-formulating. This reformulation open up a safe yet broader solution space. Once the rules are revised, we rigorously test them to ensure no unintended risks slip through, as discussed in our previous article, linked to above.
What’s the outcome? Airlines can lower their fatigue risks while simultaneously achieving more of their other objectives—like granting more crew bids and requests, improving overall efficiency, or reducing costs.
Sounds too good to be true? Perhaps—but we assure you it’s not. Contact us to here to discuss how this approach can impact your operation, and let’s explore how to measure those improvements together. Welcome.
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