Date of Award

1984

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Jack Kirk

Second Advisor

Charles Orme-Rogers

Third Advisor

James Gunnin

Abstract

The thesis, Development of a Flight Operations Computer System by Lawrence Joseph O’Keefe Jr., explores the creation of a comprehensive flight operations computer system for Ozark Airlines. Written in 1984, the project discusses the challenges and processes involved in developing a system that enhances airline crew scheduling and management. The author was part of a team dedicated to replacing a time-sharing system with an in-house solution, emphasizing flexibility and adaptability to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving airline industry.

The system's primary goal was to address Federal Aviation Regulations, pilot and flight attendant contractual requirements, and the dynamic operational needs stemming from industry deregulation. The thesis outlines four major system components: schedule planning, schedule generating, bid award, and crew management. It also evaluates existing systems at U.S. Air, Hawaiian Air, Qantas Airways, and Selective Bidding Systems, identifying strengths and weaknesses in their approaches to airline scheduling.

The Ozark Airlines system leveraged optimization techniques to minimize costs, such as penalty pay, while ensuring compliance with legal and contractual constraints. Key achievements included efficient schedule generation, enhanced bid management, and real-time crew tracking. By prioritizing flexibility, the project aimed to avoid the pitfalls of rigid systems and ensure long-term adaptability for Ozark Airlines' operational success.

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