Qatar Airways hosts industry-leading AGIFORS aviation conference

Specialist conference focuses on advanced operations research
Qatar Airways led an aviation conference bringing together experts from across aviation and software fields to promote the use of operations research in the airline industry. The Airline Group of the International Federation of Operational Research Societies (AGIFORS) event explored the use of sophisticated mathematical methods that are found in science, engineering, business, computer science and within the aviation industry for improved efficiency and more effective crew management.

More than 80 conference delegates, representing eight international airlines and leading software vendors from around the world, met in Doha during May 22-25 to discuss new ideas and the latest concepts such as the benefits of using applied mathematics to streamline operations including manpower planning, crew rosters and the impact of industry changes on crew management.

Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Dr. Hugh Dunleavy, who officially opened the conference with a key note address, said, “As one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, Qatar Airways has a responsibility to manage its growing workforce in the most effective manner, ensuring that we continue to attract and retain pilots and cabin crew of the highest calibre.

“By utilising the very latest in operations research, technical developments and innovative analytics, and by sharing knowledge both within and beyond the aviation industry, Qatar Airways can ensure that it is implementing the latest state-of-the-art practices as well as driving further advancement for the benefit of both our staff and our passengers.”

Crew management is one of several specific aviation working groups formed by the AGIFORS and its partner airlines, which together arrange forums to discuss reservations and yield management, strategic and schedule planning, cargo, airline operations and the operational research managers working group.