CASE STUDY
Rethinking Airport Operations: How Copenhagen Optimization's Software assessed MSP's Gate Allocation.
Minneapolis Saint-Paul Int. Airport
39 mill. passengers (2023)
155 Destinations
Client Overview: Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is a crucial hub for both domestic and international travel in the United States. Situated centrally in the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota, MSP is renowned for its extensive network, boasting over 155 direct routes and serving approximately 39 million passengers annually. Its strategic geographic location and significant traffic make MSP a vital node in North America’s aviation network.
Operational challenge faced by MSP before collaboration
With the upcoming addition of a new international route for the summer 2024 schedule, MAC was challenged to find an available gate for the allocation of the turnaround process. Early assessments indicated that none of the two terminals with the required inspection facilities for the international flight would have available capacity for the wide-body aircraft given the already existing traffic and operational procedures. This was also the feedback from airlines concerned with the impact on their flights. Facing an immediate operational challenge, and with an overall ambition to manage gate allocations more efficiently, MAC reached out to Copenhagen Optimization to explore options.
Copenhagen Optimization's Better Stand & Gate Enhances MSP's Gate Allocation assessment
In response to this logistical challenge, Copenhagen Optimization and MSP jointly implemented the ‘Better Stand & Gate’ software module. This tool was introduced to refine planning processes by simulating various scenarios and forecasting outcomes. The software provides vital insights, enabling the joint team to effectively use the airport’s current capacity for both new and existing flights. Furthermore, it helps reduce the dependency on manual processes and high-level assumptions, thereby facilitating a more informed decision-making.
Assessing the impact on the new international route was the first detailed study carried out using the Better Stand & Gate software. The scenario simulations provided direct results on important operational KPIs such as the necessary number of aircraft towings, time between aircraft at gate and any unallocated flights.
A key benefit of this software was its capability to visualize and share results within the tool. This feature enabled the airport’s planning team to quickly evaluate and adjust the scenario parameters. By allowing stakeholders to interact directly with the tool, the process became highly collaborative and adaptable to the airport’s operational procedures and constraints.
The initial phase of the study involved a kick-off meeting to set goals, gather data, and define the scope of results needed. The Better Stand & Gate tool was then configured within days, producing initial scenario results. Overall, Copenhagen Optimization’s collaboration with MSP was characterized by a prompt and effective response to the airport’s request for assistance, resulting in a detailed study completed within three weeks.
Results and Outcomes of the Gate Allocation Study
Based on an analysis of the simulation results, the study concluded that the new route could be accommodated in one of the terminals without major disruptions to existing operations. The solution would require an increase in the total number of towings of aircraft, but the analysis also showed that this increase would be manageable even with the new flight added. Assigning the new route to the other terminal would leave a few flights unallocated daily, even when buffers between flights were reduced to a minimum. Thus, this solution was not feasible as it would cause significant operational issues.
Data-Driven Strategic Decisions
The insights from the Better Stand & Gate tool were valuable for making informed decisions on the allocation of the new route. The data supported the choice of the suggested terminal as the suitable location for the new flight, preventing potential complications that could have arisen with an alternative terminal placement.
Sharing detailed, scenario-based results helped improve the airport’s relationships with its partners. In addition, the transparency and accuracy of the data built trust; allowing airlines and stakeholders to feel confident about the gate allocation decisions.
“The inclusion of Copenhagen Optimization as a trusted and objective partner on this analysis, provided MSP carriers with comfort that their operation would not be negatively impacted,” said Brad Juffer, Director Operations Optimization for MAC. “Despite our previous conversations with the carriers about fit, the analysis was needed to complete the discussion.”
Conclusive Insights: Enhancing MSP Operations through Copenhagen Optimization's Solutions
The joint effort between Copenhagen Optimization and MAC through the Better Stand & Gate module played an important role in the overall planning of the integration of a new airline service. Online data sharing and iterative planning enabled MSP’s staff to engage more actively in defining the planning scenarios, better equipping them to address future challenges.
Future Steps in the Collaboration
Building on the success of this initial project, MSP has engaged Copenhagen Optimization for a second study, aiming to replicate the success on a similar capacity issue in a different terminal. This ongoing partnership underscores the effectiveness of the solutions provided and MSP’s confidence in Copenhagen Optimization’s ability to meet their evolving needs. A next step in the collaboration will be the training of MSP employees on how to use the Better Stand & Gate module effectively. This training is part of the broader goal to empower MSP staff with the necessary tools and knowledge to handle similar challenges independently in the future. The introduction of the software was not merely about resolving a single scheduling issue but also about building long-term capacity within MSP’s operational teams to manage their gate allocations more efficiently.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Copenhagen Optimization and MSP has not only solved immediate operational challenges but also set a precedent for future improvements.
Final thoughts
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