Delta Optimizes Continuing-Qualification-Training Schedules for Pilots
- 1 October 2003
- journal article
- Published by Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) in Informs Journal on Applied Analytics
- Vol. 33 (5), 57-70
- https://doi.org/10.1287/inte.33.5.57.19253
Abstract
Delta Air Lines periodically trains its cockpit crew members to maintain their flight qualifications. The negotiation of the new pilot working agreement (PWA) in June 2001 introduced a short and stringent planning cycle and a new training-pay structure that affects operating costs. The downturn in airline business after September 11, 2001 forced Delta to reduce its workforce and to modify its requirements for scheduling pilot training. To mitigate Delta's exposure to costs and to automate the scheduling process under a rigid planning time line, we developed and deployed an automated optimization system, CQOPT, that builds and assigns training schedules based on individual pilot's requirements. The primary objectives of CQOPT are to minimize overall operating costs and maximize training assignments. Shortly after CQOPT's deployment in May 2002, the planning cycle dropped from several days to a few hours. Delta expects to save $7.5 million in annual operating costs by using CQOPT to schedule continuing qualification (CQ) training for its pilots.Keywords
This publication has 8 references indexed in Scilit:
- A Two-Phase Genetic Algorithm for Large-Scale Bidline-Generation Problems at Delta Air LinesInforms Journal on Applied Analytics, 1999
- US Airways Optimizes the Scheduling of Reserve Flight CrewsInforms Journal on Applied Analytics, 1999
- Crew SchedulingPublished by Springer Science and Business Media LLC ,1999
- The Preferential Bidding System at Air CanadaTransportation Science, 1998
- FedEx Generates Bid Lines Using Simulated AnnealingInforms Journal on Applied Analytics, 1997
- A global approach to crew-pairing optimizationIBM Systems Journal, 1992
- Recent Advances in Crew-Pairing Optimization at American AirlinesInforms Journal on Applied Analytics, 1991
- Integer and Combinatorial OptimizationPublished by Wiley ,1988