Real-time Dispatch Operations - A Critical Component for Managing Fueling Resources Effectively
FuelsManager Aviation Dispatch is an aircraft fueling resource management and planning tool. It is an integral part of an automated aviation fuel management system and performs the following critical tasks:
- Automatically compiles and displays fueling information that clearly identifies the day’s fueling requirements
- Allows automated or manual distribution of fuel requests to FuelsManager Aviation IntoPlane Handheld Computers, including real-time fuel load updates
- Provides a single overview of all fueling activity and status in real-time
Automated Dispatch
FuelsManager Aviation Dispatch uses imported data from pre-loaded flight schedules, as well as Flight Information Display Systems (FIDS) and airline load planning systems to populate a fueling schedule. It can then be configured to “auto-dispatch” fuel requests directly to the IntoPlane Handheld Computers used by your fueling agents. Alternatively, your dispatchers are able to log in to the Dispatch Application Service in the Varec Data Center to manually control the distribution of fuel requests.
Reduced IT Support Requirements
Operating as an application service, FuelsManager Aviation Dispatch does not require software to be installed locally. It can be accessed from any standard office desktop or mobile computer with an internet and VPN connection.
Reducing Flight Delays
Two way status updates between FuelsManager Aviation Dispatch and IntoPlane provide the dispatch supervisor and fuel agent with up-to-date ground handling information. Any changes affecting the current aircraft fueling schedule and the ability of the fuel agent to fuel on time, such as gate, aircraft or fuel load updates, are clearly displayed to provide advanced warning of potential delays.
Mobile Dispatch Operations
At some airports, dispatch supervisors are needed out on the ramp, directly managing and assisting fuel agents. Any time away from the ramp, such as returning to the office to collect flight updates, could result in a flight delay. Varec’s mobile dispatch solution consists of a ruggedized computer installed in your supervisor’s vehicle. If auto dispatching is configured, the computer provides your supervisor with constant real-time status updates of all fueling activities. If manual dispatching is utilized, the supervisor is able to assign and update all fueling activities without leaveing the ramp area.
Resource Planning and Optimization
The implementation of an automated aviation fuel management system allows you to streamline your existing operations. For example, auto-dispatching reduces the need for your fuel agents to leave the ramp area to collect fuel requests from an off-ramp dispatch office. This, in turn, may provide a tangible reduction in fueling vehicle usage, maintenance and fuel costs. For a large fueling operation, this reduction in vehicle mileage can equate to a reduction in a company’s carbon footprint. It may also account for manpower savings, a potential for reducing vehicles and a measurable reduction in traffic needing to access the airport.
Savings can also be realized when an airline utilizes tankering programs. In some cases, a last minute fuel “top-off” will not be requested because it may risk causing a flight delay, even though the fuel “top-off” could potentially save on fuel costs. The real-time communications between dispatch and the fueler’s IntoPlane hand held computer allow an airline to expand the number of fuel “top-off” requests with limited risk of flight delays.
