Aeromexico is Mexico’s flag carrier and the main operator at Mexico City International Airport. This airport is in a challenging operational environment and at the limit of its capacity. Despite this, Aeromexico has an ambitious grow strategy that need to be supported by efficient and punctual operations.
It was, therefore, imperative to optimise the performance of the airline’s operating system using a holistic approach with variability-predictability as the key measurement from the planning stage to post-operational analysis.
ALG analysed the performance of Aeromexico’s network in depth to identify inefficiencies and initiatives to resolve them.
Objectives, goals and purposes
The objective of the project was to provide Aeromexico with an exhaustive view of the operation of its network focusing on the AICM to identify the delay generators in real time, solve existing issues and optimise the planning phase to match actual performance.
Study methodology and activities
ALG applied a holistic approach to the project based on studying the way Aeromexico operates to understand its performance. Four tasks were performed over 12 weeks, involving a combination of on-site and virtual activities, as well as continuous interaction with the airline’s operational and commercial teams.
- Gathered and processed operational data, with high-level analysis to identify the main hotspots based on efficiency KPIs, punctuality and predictability throughout the network and time periods; and detailed study of interdependency and trade-offs between KPIs. The KPIs included punctuality vs. predictability, capacity vs. punctuality, productivity vs. punctuality vs. predictability, etc.
- Identified the potential hotspots in performance. This was supported by on-site visits to evaluate the turnaround at the airline’s main airports.
- Outlined the issues identified as well as potential improvement measures (initiatives), which were depicted using action cards.
- Covered the enhancement scheduled for summer 2022, analysing the impact the initiatives will have on performance.
Key findings and recommendations
The analysis highlighted five main areas with room for improvement, requiring transversal support for the Data Model and IT integration.
ALG detected more than 30 initiatives in all areas that were aligned with the strategy of Aeromexico and its key partners: Mexico City International Airport and the Air Navigation Service Provider. This resulted in a comprehensive approach to the holistic improvement of the Mexican aviation environment to improve efficiency and predictability.
The project, and implementation of the initiatives in particular, became a high priority for Aeromexico, as it provided a consolidated view of the performance of the airline’s network, helping it prepare for the internal changes that need to be implemented. When a company with so many stakeholders wants to run an optimisation process, we recommended that the operation should be analysed using an integrated view - rather than in silos - to achieve the maximum benefit from the optimisation.
Success and outcomes
The project triggered other projects within Aeromexico with the support of ALG that have helped the airline steer its resources and efforts towards initiatives that will reap more benefits. This will help Aeromexico plan the game changers that will enable it to maintain its leading position in the country.
The three main workstreams derived from the tasks are:
- Enhancement of the planning process and schedule through optimisation of block times, turnaround, towing and crew planning.
- Improvement of real-time operations by anticipating delays and optimising resource utilisation.
- Alignment of Mexico City International Airport’s capacity and the Slot Coordination programme.
Aeromexico’s efforts are focused on achieving the target operational excellence and embedding continuous improvement in the company’s culture.