Singapore and Malaysia Airline Expert System

IT for Managers, UUM 2006

CASE STUDY 5:
Singapore and Malaysia Airline Expert System
1. Why do airlines need optimization systems for crew scheduling?
Because airlines fly around the globe, mostly with their native crew. If a crewmember
is ill on route, there is a problem of quickly finding a replacement. This is just one
example why crew scheduling may be complex, especially when it is subject to
regulatory constraints, contract agreements, and crew preferences. Disturbances
such as weather conditions, maintenance problems etc., also make crew
management difficult. Airlines need optimization systems for crew scheduling to
prevent short of staff during operation especially in the foreign port. If it is happen the
management have to reposition the crew or calling in backup staff. Thus, it helps to
minimize the costs of associated with the crew accommodation and transportation
and to efficiently plan and optimize staff utilization and activities associated with longterm planning and daily operation. It is also provide information such work rules
regulation requirement and crew request to produce an optimal monthly crew roster.

2. What role can expert knowledge play in this case?

Web-based intelligent systems such as expert systems and neutral computing to
manage the company flight crew scheduling and handle disruptions the crew rosters.
The important role that plays by expert knowledge is make very accurate decision
making for very critical situation that might cause loss of the company and organized
proper scheduling roster if uncertain and unexpected circumstances occurred. It can
minimize the cost of associated with the crew accommodation and transportation and
to efficiently plan and optimize staff utilization and activities associated with long-term
planning and daily operation.

3. What are the similarities between the systems in Singapore and Malaysia?
The Integrated Crew Management Systems (ICMS) project that implemented in
Singapore since 1997 consists three modules: one roster assignment module for
cockpit crew, one for the cabin crew, and a crew tracking module. The first two

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Singapore and Malaysia Airline Expert System

IT for Managers, UUM 2006

modules automate the tracking and scheduling of flight crews timetable. The second
module tracts the positions of the crew and includes and intelligent system that
handles crew pattern disruption.

In Malaysia Airline, use the same web-base and also call ICMS in 2003, it leverages
optimization software from ilog.com. Its Crew Pairing Optimization (CPO)
components to ensure compliance with airline regulation, trade union agreements,
and company policies. The Crew Duty Assignment (CDA) module provides automatic
assignment of duties to all flights crews.

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