Event calendar - Meet us here

Come and find out more about our planning, scheduling, optimization and analytical tools for transport operators.

Our team attend various industry events each year to meet with our clients and introduce our MP2 solution to new audiences.

In the upcoming months we will be at:

Do you want to find out more about how our solutions improve planning processes? Meet us at one of the events we’re attending - or contact us to set up a call at the time that works best for you.

You can always find our full event attendance calendar here.

MP2 - Making holistic airline planning possible

Industrial Optimizers' MP2 suite of airline planning tools has been developed to make holistic planning possible. Instead of ineffective step-by-step approaches, MP2 allows users to solve multiple problems in the same solution.

The schedule is the driver for practically every revenue and cost line: from the seats available for sale, to the crewing levels needed to operate.

 That's why understanding every consequence of your planned schedule is key to maximizing profitability.

Cost-driving resource requirements attached to your schedule include crew, maintenance and ground staff costs. Fleet requirements, fuel and aeronautical charges are also directly driven by the schedule.

 The number of passengers – actual and predicted – along with connectivity and competition are just some of the revenue driving factors linked to the shape of your schedule.

 Industrial Optimizers' MP2 suite of airline planning tools has been developed to make holistic planning possible. Instead of ineffective step-by-step approaches, MP2 allows users to solve multiple problems in the same solution.

 MP2 users can build and compare unlimited scenarios to determine the most profitable schedule to fly. MP2 can be connected to multiple data sources, from simple spreadsheets to third party systems such as revenue management and accounting tools. This allows MP2 to determine your resource requirements, costs and revenue potential.

 With its constraint management tools and inbuilt legality checking features, MP2 only builds schedules scenarios that can be put into operation.

MP2 is is a modular tool. Airlines can license the modules that meet their requirements. All modules work in the same user interface for a seamless experience for the end user. Find out about our MP2 suite by clicking on the wheel below.

Put profitability at the heart of your network with MP2's Clean Sheet Scheduler

The world of airline network planning is dynamic and demanding. Balancing operational constraints and market demand to build the most profitable schedule is time consuming and challenging. That's why the MP2 suite of airline planning tools is available with Clean Sheet Scheduler technology.

Introducing the Clean Sheet Scheduler

The Clean Sheet Scheduler in MP2 creates schedules - either whole or part - from scratch. By drawing on MP2's constraint manager and maintenance planning features, Clean Sheet Scheduler only creates schedules that are operationally viable.

Here's an overview of the advantages Clean Sheet Scheduler brings airlines:

Boost your network’s profitability

Building a schedule from the ground up based on profitability lets airlines identify and prioritize routes that yield the highest returns. This is possible on a network-wide basis, or on a sub-set of your network. If you're opening a new aircraft base or increasing capacity through additional aircraft, Clean Sheet Scheduler will work out the most profitable way to deploy your resources.

Flexibility and responsiveness

Traditional scheduling methods can be rigid and time consuming, making it challenging to adapt to market changes. Using Clean Sheet Scheduler, airlines can swiftly respond to fluctuations in demand, competition and external factors.

Data driven decision making

Schedules and network planners benefit from being able to generate many more scenarios for comparison than would typically be possible. Adjusting Clean Sheet Scheduler's parameters allows every angle to be examined. This allows airline teams to consider all the options before making decisions. MP2 can consider both OD and local passengers.

Innovative route planning

Using Clean Sheet Scheduler, airline teams can explore unconventional routes, innovative connections and underserved markets with greater ease. This makes it possible to identify potential new customer segments and revenue streams to get ahead of the curve.

Maximizing resource utilization

Clean Sheet Scheduler generates schedules that maximize fleet utilization, a key profitability driver for airlines. Constraints such as aircraft and slot availability can be taken into account to ensure that the results generated maximize contribution.

Clean Sheet Scheduler is included in MP2 AeroStrategizer, our network planning module for airline users. It is also available as a standalone tool.

Contact Industrial Optimizers’ team for more information and to request a demonstration. You can find our contact details here.

Here's why optimization delivers bigger benefits than AI in airline network planning

There has been a lot in the news about artificial intelligence (AI) in recent weeks, not least due to the launch of ChatGPT and Google’s Bard AI.

At Industrial Optimizers, we are sure that AI will make a big impact on the aviation industry - not least on the B2C side in customer service and sales.

However, we are equally sure that optimization will continue to be the method to offer the greatest benefits for airline network planning.

In fact, we are so sure that we asked ChatGPT. And it didn’t disagree. Here’s what it had to say:

“Optimization is (…) a better method than AI in certain situations, particularly when it comes to airline network planning.

One reason optimization is often preferred is that it is a more transparent and explainable approach. Optimization models are typically designed to maximize or minimize a specific objective function while satisfying a set of constraints. This means that the results of an optimization model are more easily interpretable and can be explained to stakeholders in a clear and concise manner. (…)

Another advantage of optimization is that it can provide more certainty around the results. Optimization models are based on mathematical algorithms that are designed to produce a specific output. This means that the results are often more reliable and can be used to make more accurate predictions about the airline network. In contrast, AI models can be more unpredictable and can produce unexpected results.

Finally, optimization is often more efficient than AI when it comes to airline network planning. Optimization models can be designed to solve specific problems quickly and efficiently, which is important when dealing with large amounts of data and complex airline networks. In contrast, AI models can require significant amounts of time and computational resources to train and implement.”

Industrial Optimizers’ MP2 suite of tools for airlines come with multiple optimizers that ensure airlines can maximize the profitability of their operation.

Want to find out more about MP2? Contact our team at info@industrialoptimizers.com to set up a demo.

New functionality for airline and airport users in MP²

Our MP² suite is constantly evolving as our development team add new features and improve existing functionality. Much of this work is done in response to feedback from the MP² community, our clients at leading global transportation operators.

Here’s an update of some of the most recent updates in MP²’s versions for airlines and airports.

Ground staff planning

In 2020, we launched MP² Airport, a powerful business intelligence and planning tool. Developed in consultation with launch client Avinor, MP² Airport enables fact-based planning of future resource requirements.  

We’ve now added enhanced functionality for ground staff planning. Based on future schedules data, MP² Airport forecasts staff requirements at activity type level such as security, check-in and baggage handling. Useful for planning your airport’s own staffing needs, it can also help inform conversations with your service partners. 

MP² Airport includes a wealth of other functionality – including financial reporting, competitor analysis and business case generation. Click here for the full list.

Build meaningful partnerships and alliances

We have enhanced the power of our codeshare evaluation functionality in MP² Aero for airlines. Users can identify the most lucrative opportunities for partnerships and alliances. The solution builds on MP²’s powerful codeshare management, connection building and financial forecasting functionality. Bringing these together, users can determine the most valuable target airlines, routes or individual flights for codeshare agreements. Airlines can analyse effects on projected revenues, connectivity and market share. The tool can also be used to sense check existing partnership agreements.

Support for MCT data format changes

At the start of November, changes were made to the specifications that govern Minimum Connection Time data. Airlines can now add data records that allow for more easily preventing itineraries being built between carriers without interlining agreements.

 Our MP² airline and airport tools use MCT data to power various functionality, including the powerful Connection Builder and Connection Maximizer tools. The latest versions of MP² support the new format.

Avoid future resource requirement surprises with MP² Airport

Everyone has seen the headlines about airports struggling with the bounce back in passenger numbers during the last few months. Even if the coronavirus pandemic has been an exceptional situation, it has demonstrated the benefits of fact-based forward planning for resource requirements.

Industrial Optimizers’ business intelligence and planning tool for airports, MP² Airport, gives decision makers the data they need to make resource planning decisions ahead of time.

MP² Airport automates the consolidation of schedules data from multiple sources such as your airline clients, consolidation services such as OAG and even data from slot messages. It uses this to generate forecasts of future traffic levels and passenger numbers.

MP² Airport includes a wealth of other functionality for airport decision makers, planners and route development teams. This includes business case generation, competitor analysis and financial reporting.

For the full list of MP² Airport functionality, visit the decided product page by clicking here.

MP² Airport has been developed in cooperation with Avinor - operator of 44 airports across Norway with over 3000 staff members. Industrial Optimizers have over thirty years of experience in delivering software solutions to the commercial aviation sector.

Industrial Optimizers launch MP² Airport - a new powerful BI and planning tool for airports

Industrial Optimizers has launched MP² Airport, a new powerful business intelligence and planning tool for the airport community.

Based on the proven technology behind MP² Aero suite of solutions used by leading airlines, MP² Airport has been developed in consultation with launch client Avinor.

MP² Airport contains functionality for both commercial and operational planning at airports of all sizes.

Here is a summary of the key functionality:

Schedules management and analysis

MP² Airport brings all of your airline partners' schedules into one place for analysis and forecasting – it will save you time by integrating schedules received from multiple sources and with differing date ranges.

Reporting and forecasting

MP² Airport rapidly generates costed reports and forecasts to help inform decision making as well as simulating your future traffic development.

Demand forecasting

MP² Airport can incorporate external data sources such as DDS and MIDT data to create detailed market share forecasts – for both your airport and your competitors.

Competitor analysis

Identify and analyse your airport's connectivity – and compare it with competitors. Inform your discussions with airline partners.

Business case generation

Support your growth plans by informing your air service development activities using MP² Airport's vast array of functionality.

Enhance your B2C offering

MP² Airport offers web and mobile based itinerary search with connection building tools to help promote your airport's flight offering to consumers.

MP² Airport has been developed in consultation with launch client Avinor. Operating 44 airports across Norway, Avinor have provided feedback to ensure MP² Airport is designed with airport users' needs in mind.

Industrial Optimizers have over 30 years of experience with commercial aviation, with leading airlines using MP²'s suite of tools for airlines.

To find out more about MP² Airport, contact our team at info@industrialoptimizers.com.

Industrial Optimizers has launched MP² Version 9

STOCKHOLM, Sweden.

Industrial Optimizers has launched the most powerful version of MP² to date: MP² Version 9 is now shipping.

MP² Version 9 delivers new and enhanced functionality, increased performance power, as well as user interface improvements. MP² users now have even more ways to maximize the performance of their organization.

MP² now has full Origin-Destination passenger support for use in airline fleet and tail assignment optimization as well as decision support and reporting.

Even more powerful connection building, optimization and reporting for boosting connectivity and adjusting schedules to market conditions.

Automatic schedule creation features for agile analysis and adjustments to maximize your operation's profitability.

All MP² functionality works in the same familiar user interface - with full dynamic interaction so that you always have the full picture of your operation.

Here’s some more of the new and improved features available today in MP² Version 9:

• Enhanced gantt charts including greater dynamic interactivity with list view, drag and drop and flexible colouring

• Origin-Destination passenger handling is enhanced and extended to the entire MP2 suite of functionality

• Enhanced schedules filtering features

• New multiview graphics dashboard - with more business graphic options, maps, graphical reporting features, charts and more

• Enhanced financial calculations ensuring MP² goes above and beyond any other tool when it comes to financial reporting and forecasting

• Enhanced aircraft tail assignment - including cost/revenue optimized assignment, “drop line” optimization for allocating least profitable flights to same aircraft and user definable objectives for tail assignment (profitability, hours, cycles, maintenance and more)

• Fleet assignment gets even more powerful and faster - and can be done on an OD or leg basis and take into account environmental emissions

• Competitor analysis with even more insight - modify competitor schedules easily for simulation purposes, calculate OD and network contribution for competitors

• Automatic schedules creation - Industrial Optimizers’ unique Clean Sheet Scheduler functionality is now included in the MP² AeroStrategizer package

• Traffic system builder is now included in the MP² AeroScheduler Plus package for rapid user-defined schedules creation

• Environmental emissions monitoring including calculations and reporting

• Enhanced connection reporting

• Slot Management enhanced with full support for turn around slots

• MP² AeroCrew’s optimization functionality has improved performance, automatic base selection and sensitivity analysis for crew connection times

If you like to find out more about the power of MP² Version 9 and how it could support decision making and planning at your organization, contact Industrial Optimizers today.

Celebrating our MP² customers: Cebu Pacific

Since its first flight in 1996, Cebu Pacific has rapidly grown into the Philippines’ largest low-cost carrier. Today its biggest hub is at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino airport. In 2019, the airline carried over 22.4 million passengers on an extensive network spanning domestic points and select international destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Cebu Pacific operates a modern fleet consisting largely of Airbus A320 series narrow bodies and A330 wide bodies. Its CebGo subsidiary operates a fleet of ATR-72 turboprops.

Cebu Pacific prides itself on being the airline for every Juan, as Filipinos like to refer to themselves. With its emphasis on keeping costs down, Cebu Pacific has been able to offer very competitive fares to passengers, bringing air travel within the reach of ever-increasing numbers of people.

Did you know? Cebu Pacific is a founding member of the Value Alliance, the world's largest alliance of low cost carriers.

Cebu Pacific is celebrating its twenty fifth anniversary during 2021. We want to wish everyone in the Cebu Pacific family a very happy anniversary! Industrial Optimizers look forward to working with you in the years ahead.

Celebrating our MP2 customers: SJ

SJ is Sweden's national passenger railway operator. It offers train travel across a network that spans the nation. SJ serves 160 stations every day – including international services that reach Oslo and Narvik in Norway and the Danish capital, Copenhagen.

SJ prides itself on offering climate-friendly travel solutions. It purchases electricity solely from renewable wind and hydropower sources, its electric trains generate zero emissions during journeys. On many routes, it is possible for SJ’s train drivers to “freewheel”, i.e. the driver does not use the train engines to propel the train forward – but gravity. On some routes, altitude differences between stations allow freewheeling for distances of more than 100 kilometres.

Did you know? SJ’s first train operated in 1856 leaving from Sweden’s west coast city of Gothenburg for the small factory settlement of Jonsered. On arrival, the exhilarated passengers reported how they had been “hurled forward” at speeds of thirty kilometres per hour. Today, SJ’s high speed services travel at up to 200 kilometres per hour.

Pictured: One of SJ’s X2000 high speed train sets hurtling through a Swedish summer landscape, credit: Stefan Nilsson, SJ press service.

Celebrating our MP2 customers: Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines (PAL), founded in 1941, is Asia’s oldest airline still operating under its original name. From its hub in Manila, PAL operates to a network of domestic, Asian and intercontinental destinations.

PAL is a full-service carrier – the only airline offering business class cabins on domestic services in the Philippines. It has a modern fleet with the Airbus A350 being the most recent addition.

During the current pandemic, PAL has helped to maintain crucial connectivity to, from and within the Philippines. PAL has played a major role in the transportation of vaccines, other medical supplies and medical staff.

Did you know? PAL was the first airline in Southeast Asia to fly to Europe. In 1947, PAL started a DC-4 service to Rome, Madrid and London. The flight took two days with stops in Kolkata, Karachi and Cairo.

PAL’s frequent flyer programme is called “Mabuhay Miles”. Mabuhay is a common Filipino greeting meaning literally “live!”. It is often used as the equivalent of “long live!”, “cheers!” or simply as a celebratory “hurrah”. So, ‘Mabuhay Philippine Airlines’ for being one of Industrial Optimizers’ oldest customers!

You can find more details about MP2’s packages for airline scheduling, network planning and much more by visiting the relevant pages on this website - just use the menu on the left.

Celebrating our MP2 customers: Widerøe

Widerøe is vital in keeping Norway’s communities connected. In this nation of mountains and fjords, air travel is often the only realistic way to get about. Widerøe operates a fleet of Dash 8s and Embraer 190s on a largely domestic network.

For much of 2020, Widerøe was one of Europe’s biggest airlines, operating almost 200 daily flights and consistently at least 70-80% of its pre-pandemic capacity. In the last few months, Widerøe has reached 97% of 2019 seat capacity. One might say that Widerøe has been Europe’s most resilient carrier.

Did you know? Connecting some of Norway's most remote settlements, some Widerøe flights are only hops of a few minutes by air – but would involve journeys of hours by road or ferry, especially in winter.

Widerøe is also a pioneer in zero emissions aviation, aiming to launch commercial flights using P-Volt electric aircraft in 2026.

How will you plan and process your slot portfolio in the future?

MP2 Slot Management is an efficient and cost effective way to handle slot requests.

We are all aware the airline industry is going through one of the most difficult periods in its history. There are some green shoots of recovery and airlines are considering how they will operate in the future. They will look at:

• Available staff resources

• Costs

• Potential efficiency measures

• Network to be operated

One of their considerations will be their slot portfolio. IATA's Head of Worldwide Airport Slots Laura Maughan recently said, "The last thing we need as we come out of the crisis is airlines being unclear on how they can reconnect city pairs, you need to know you've still got that [slot] structure for your network in place."

Among the features of the MP2 Slot Management tool are:

• Full compliance with IATA SSIM chapter 6 requirements

• Production, preparation, distribution and receipt of all slot-related messages between Coordinators/Schedules Facilitators

• Historical slots tracking

• Identification of slot requirements in future schedules, used and underused slots

• Real-time alerts for pending and denied slot requests and for discrepencies between your schedule and slots held

• 80/20 rule monitoring and alerts

MP2 Slot Management helps an airline when they are considering costs, available resources, efficiency measures and their optimal network profile.

The MP2 Slot Management tool includes all functionality required to efficiently plan and process slot requests and is available standalone or as part of the MP2 AeroScheduler Plus package,

To find out more about MP2  Slot Management or any of the other ways that MP2 can deliver more efficient working practices, contact us for a demonstration today: info@industrialoptimizers.com.

MP2: A Tool that Never Stands Still

Industrial Optimizers’ fully in-house Development Team work constantly to ensure that our MP2 tool is improved and enhanced. This includes developing new features, improving and widening existing functionality, as well as enhancing system performance.

In 2020 alone, this resulted in 22 new versions of MP2 being launched: some of these were released to all MP2 users, while others included client-specific customizations. All MP2 customers get at least two updates per year.

Before any new version of MP2 is released to our customers, our in-house team conduct rigorous quality assurance testing. In 2020, approaching 4000 hours were spent on testing MP2.

What are our Development Team working on right now?

Here is some of the functionality our team are working on right now, with releases including these features scheduled during the next few weeks:

• MP2 for Airports

Our team are working on a dedicated MP2 version for airport aviation development teams and infrastructure planners.

• MP2 Marine

The dedicated MP2 version for the shipping industry is being refined with new functionality, including improved route plotting and mapping.

• MP2 AeroCrew

Our crew pairing optimizer’s performance is being enhanced with further granularity around crew qualification handling.

• MP2 AeroScheduler/AeroScheduler Plus/AeroStrategizer/AeroFleetAssigner: Aircraft Assignment

Additional functionality and performance improvements for the tail assignment feature.

• New Gantt charts

The Gantt functionality in MP2 will be upgraded to a new dynamic Gantt chart feature.

Additionally, Industrial Optimizers will shortly be making an announcement regarding emissions reporting and emissions-based fleet assignment in order to help transport organizations address issues surrounding sustainability.

To find out more about any of the functionality within MP2, contact your local Industrial Optimizers office.

Do you have the right tools to maximize cost savings?

“Deliver increased cost savings and maximize revenues with MP2.”

The global transport industry has taken a hard knock during the ongoing novel coronavirus outbreak. As the world starts moving again, close management of costs will be more important than ever.

Make sure you have the right tools to ask the right questions and get the right answers:

• How can we easily analyze and report revenue and cost performance of our operation?

• How can we decrease costs while maximizing revenue?

• Which destinations should we serve?

• How should we assign our fleet to maximize profitability? 

• Which routes are least profitable?

• How can we optimize rotations for the schedule?

• How many crew do we need for our new schedule?

• Can we improve the connectivity of our new schedule?

• How do we syncronize and communicate schedule changes with partners?

• Do we have the tools to do the required analysis at this time?

• Could MP2 deliver greater ROI as well as more functionality than tools we have today?

These questions may be front of mind now - but the answers are important at any time.

Equip yourself with the tools that support the best decision making to return to profitability.

Request a demonstration of MP2 today: email info@industrialoptimizers.com.

Message to MP2 Users: Novel Coronavirus COVID-19

Our industry is currently dealing with the unprecedented challenge of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

At Industrial Optimizers, we are able to provide extra support to our MP2 users at this time.

We recognize that our airline partners may be considering larger volumes of schedules changes than normal. There are many budget analysis and optimization tools within MP2 that can be used to inform this process.

MP2 has tools for identifying weaker performing flights, including based on changes in demand. MP2 can be used to roll out mass schedules changes in a time efficient way.

Please contact us via support@industrialoptimizers.com if you require assistance or tips on how to use MP2 to best inform your decision making at this time.

Three questions for... Emanuel Lind

During the coming months, we will be introducing key members of our team. First up is Emanuel Lind.

1. What is your role at Industrial Optimizers?

Systems Development Engineer. I joined the company in February 2019.

2. Tell us something exciting that you're working on now?

At the moment, I'm working on a new Gantt chart function to replace the one currently used in MP2. It will have a complete new look with new functionality like drag and drop and more sophisticated searching.

3. What do you do to relax?

If the weather's nice, I enjoy taking a walk while listening to some good music. If it's not, then I usually watch some TV series or play video games.

Maximize the potential of your fleet

Is your airline's fleet made up of multiple equipment types? Are you maximizing the profitability potential of your aircraft assignment?

Allocating the aircraft in your fleet to your schedule based on bookings – actual and forecasted – helps maximize your profitability.

MP2 AeroFleetAssigner is a powerful fleet allocation optimization solution that:

• automatically assigns individual aircraft to legs in your schedule

• can be used for both long term planning and close to operation scenarios

• can be interfaced with revenue management and booking systems

• will upgauge and downgauge aircraft types according to bookings and forecasted demand

• will maximise turnover

• will reduce costs

• minimizes spill passengers

• generates fully costed simulations of multiple fleet assignment scenarios including projected revenues

• delivers significant improvements even in fleets with limited equipment variety

• supports full tail-based assignment, including for export to external solutions

• considers maintenance requirements and other factors that effect aircraft availability 

Even the smallest of percentage improvement delivered by optimizing fleet assignment can lead to big gains to the bottom line.

MP2 AeroFleetAssigner can perform optimizations on both a leg basis and according to origin-destination pairs.

Contact us to find out more, request an online demo of MP2 AeroFleetAssigner.

Ahead of IATA's 145th Slot Conference: How are you managing your airline's slots?

Slots, slots, slots. There just aren't enough of them to go around at the world's most popular airports as airlines continue to grow capacity.

This makes efficient management of your slot portfolio more important than ever.

• Do you have difficulty monitoring your 80/20 rule compliance?

• Are you unsure if your current schedule makes the best use of your existing slots portfolio?

• Do you need to identify your network's slot requirements?

• Or are you just spending far too much time administering slots?

MP2 Slot Management gives you the tools to manage all of your slots needs with improved accuracy. Its message automation functionality will save you valuable time, time you can use for other important activities.

MP2 Slot Management's Key Functionality

• Full message management: preparation, production, distribution and receipt of all slot-related messages between coordinators/schedules facilitators

• Historical slots tracking

• Identification of slot requirements in future schedules

• Identification of unused and underused slots

• Alerts on scheduled flights without slot clearance

• 80/20 functionality

• Report generation on wide range of slot-related issues including slot utilization, rescheduled flights, changed slots, slot status etc.

• Real time alerts for pending and denied slot requests

• Real time alerts for discrepancies between your schedule and slots held

Contact us today to arrange an online demo of MP2 Slot Management or visit us at stand 408 at next week's IATA Slot Conference in Brisbane.

Industrial Optimizers' CEO Tore Jenner guested AviaDev's podcast

Tore Jenner, Industrial Optimizers’ CEO

Industrial Optimizers are sponsoring AviaDev Europe 2019, an aviation route network development conference taking place in Valencia later this month.

This week, Industrial Optimizers’ CEO Tore Jenner guested AviaDev’s aviation podcast show. In the episode, Tore reveals how his career led him to optimization. He also highlights some of ways our MP2 tool can improve the profitability of airlines and support airports build business cases.

Listen to the podcast by clicking here.

AviaDev Europe 2019 will be held between 22-25 October 2019 in Valencia, Spain. If you are attending, contact us to arrange a meeting and find out more about MP2.