Their Information AGE

Jeppesen system gives airlines the right data

BY ERIC ANDERSON

Imagine having the responsibility for planning and executing a safe, efficient airline flight from New York to Paris. You probably saw yourself sitting in the flight deck of an airplane. But, you also could be on the ground working as a dispatcher in a sophisticated airline operations control center.

Typically, dispatchers and captains share responsibility for a flight, which means they need a comprehensive, overall view of the operation so they can plan, coordinate and act, especially if there's unexpected bad weather or traffic delays.

This is where Boeing-subsidiary Jeppesen's OPSControl system comes into play. OPSControl helps airlines worldwide by delivering information from several sources in a clear, concise view—when and where it is needed most. Building on years of experience and success with OPSControl, Jeppesen's future strategy for airline ground operations will focus on further integration and a concept known as the Integrated Airline Operations Center.

SHAPING THE FUTURE

The IAOC concept builds on OPSControl by integrating additional information sources and presenting the result in a clear, logical view.

"Operations personnel and flight crews need the ability to make decisions and course corrections within the context of their own on-the-spot needs," said Mark Van Tine, Jeppesen's president and chief operating officer. "We are working to provide systems that offer a comprehensive 360-degree view of the operation from a single access point."

OPSControl will be a key component of the IAOC concept. Through OPSControl modules FliteManager, WXTool and EasyBrief, an airline can more effectively distribute and balance fleet management, tasking and flight planning, and spend more time briefing crews and monitoring flights. Jeppesen and fellow Boeing subsidiaries SBS International and Preston Aviation Solutions already have delivered a mini version of IAOC to a military customer.

E-ENABLING TOMORROW

IAOC takes stand-alone systems and e-enables them, integrating them into one highly automated system that increases effectiveness and communication, enhances safety and positional awareness, and cuts staffing needs, operational support costs and mission time.

"Many carriers are turning to a low-cost business model that minimizes ground time in order to keep airplanes flying and producing revenue," Van Tine said. "Access to exactly the right information presented in the right format at exactly the right time can mean the difference between a break-even—or worse—operation and an efficient, profitable one capable of long-term survival."

eric.anderson@jeppesen.com