Qantas Introduces Next Generation Load Control System

Sydney, 23 July 2007

Qantas has become the first airline in the world to roll-out the Amadeus developed next generation load control system, known as Altéa DC-Flight, providing increased efficiency and accuracy of flight departures managed by the airline's Sydney and Melbourne load control centres.

Qantas Chief Information Officer John Willett said the new system received data direct from the airline's load planning, freight, fuelling and airport information systems, removing existing manual processes.

"A feature of Altéa DC-Flight is the Autoload function, ensuring items to be loaded onto the aircraft are automatically designated to positions to optimise fuel efficiency and streamline loading and unloading.

"This new Amadeus solution includes a Windows-based graphic user interface application, making it more intuitive and easier to use for load controllers," he said.

Mr Willett said that the rollout of the new system had commenced last month, with the airline completing exhaustive trials, including running the new system alongside Qantas' old systems.

"Rigorous preparation has been critical as weight and balance is the process which ensures an aircraft is loaded in accordance with all safety requirements," Mr Willett said.

Amadeus Executive Vice President, Commercial, David Jones said Qantas had proved to be an extremely valuable partner in developing one of the industry's most advanced technology platforms.

"One of the key concerns of airlines at airports is how to increase productivity and efficiency in the flight departure process. Altéa DC-Flight's high degree of automation, configurable functionality and one-stop data source delivers on this effectively.

"For the future, the deployment of Altéa DC-Flight is also planned for a significant and growing number of airlines," Mr Jones said.

Altéa DC-Flight is the first of two elements comprising the new generation Amadeus Altéa Departure Control Solution. The second component, Altéa DC - Customer Management, is a new check-in, boarding and baggage management solution that is expected to be introduced by Qantas next year.

Issued by Qantas Corporate Communication (3617)
Email: qantasmedia@qantas.com.au