Bombardier Flexjet significantly improves its fractional aircraft ownership operations

Citation

Soumis, F. (2006), "Bombardier Flexjet significantly improves its fractional aircraft ownership operations", Strategic Direction, Vol. 22 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/sd.2006.05622fad.008

Bombardier Flexjet significantly improves its fractional aircraft ownership operations

Bombardier Flexjet significantly improves its fractional aircraft ownership operations

Hicks R., Madrid R., Milligan C., Pruneau R., Kanaley M., Dumas Y., Lacroix B., Desrosiers J. and Soumis F. Interfaces, January-February 2005 Vol. 35 No. 1, Start Page: 49, No of Pages: 12

Purpose – To record how fractional aircraft operator Bombardier Flexjet improved its ownership operations through the implementation of a three-module optimization system. Design/methodology/approach – Explains the principles of the fractional aircraft market whereby individuals or businesses buy shares in a business jet to which they have 24 hour access, paying for monthly management and usage fees, aircraft maintenance, flight crews, hangars, fuel and insurance, and outlines the complexities of the fractional aircraft ownership operation, which is essentially an unscheduled airline. Gives an account of how Flexjet contracted with AD OPT Technologies and GERAD, an operations research centre, to develop a system aimed at maximizing Flexjet’s use of its aircraft, crews and facilities. Describes the components of the system architecture which presents an integrated optimization system that determines annual leave and monthly schedules, optimizes aircraft and crew schedules, and assigns crew members to specific aircraft and minimizes crew-swap costs. Discusses how Flexjet overcame resistance to change on behalf of the schedulers and flight crews, and how the new system enabled Flexjet consider variables it previously could not, such as the control of crew swaps, assignment of multiple crews, and multiple-location maintenance. Findings – Reports that Flexjet has reduced its operation costs, decreased its crew levels and aircraft fleet size, increased its density, and maintained its high service level. Research limitations/implications – Has no stated implications for future research. Originality/value – Adds to the existing literature on the application of optimization software to scheduling and routing operations.ISSN: 0092-2102Reference: 34AL133

Keywords: Aircraft industry, Bombardier Aerospace, Manpower planning, Optimization techniques