My Job

When I meet someone new and they learn I work at for an airline, they typically ask what I do.  I reply, “I’m an aircraft router.” Then they get a puzzled look on their face and ask if I work in the tower or if I am an air traffic controller?  At this point, I give them the abbreviated version of my job.  I assign flights to airplanes in order to get them to maintenance bases to get scheduled work done, I make sure we have the proper planes assigned for certain destinations, and I work to keep the operation going whenever a ship breaks.  Most people seem satisfied by this response.  For those who have the time and want to know more, I am happy to tell them what I do.

Therefore, I would like to share a little more detail about my job.  Aircraft routers are charged with three primary duties.   First, we use and manipulate the schedule in order to bring airplanes into the proper maintenance bases for work to be completed.  Second, we ensure the proper aircraft is assigned for certain restrictive flights and/or destinations.  Third, we work to minimize customer impact during flight irregularities. 

Just like our cars, airplanes need regular maintenance.  Depending on the item, the intervals between check-ups count down by days, hours, or cycles (a take-off and landing equals 1 cycle).  We use the schedule for the fleet we work and assign flights in order have planes arrive in a maintenance station for an over night visit where the work can be accomplished.  In some cases, work can be completed during the day but more often than not, it is done at night. 

However, not all work can be completed in all stations.  For instance, some work may require a hanger and not all stations have a hanger.  In the winter, lube jobs must be done in cities that won’t freeze.  Engine washes can only be completed in a few stations.  Therefore, it is imperative we properly route our planes so work can be completed in the right place and in time.  Similar to limitations for where work can be accomplished, there are some restrictions for aircraft flying to some cities.

When we fly a 757 to Quito, Ecuador, we need one with Dual HF radios and GPS.  There are some Caribbean destinations that benefit with better flight plans when the plane has either winglets, HF or both.  We operate A320s with two different engine types.  When flying A320s into cities with high temperatures during the summer, Delta wants to minimize any possible customer impact by operating A320 aircraft with the more powerful engines.  If the A320s with the other engines are used, luggage, freight, or even customers may not be boarded due to lower take-off weight requirements. 

If you fly often enough, you probably have experienced a delay at departure or even after push-back.  Often, the flight departs after a short wait.  However, there are times when the aircraft cannot operate safely and a new plane is needed.  When we first learn of such a delay, my coworkers and I proactively look over our fleet to see if there is a plane that can be used instead.  If the change can be done before the original plane can be repaired, we switch the flight to a new airplane.  Also, there are occasions when the tower will call us to see if we can swap planes due to one that is holding out waiting for its gate to open.  We realize we are a customer oriented business and work to minimize any negative customer impact. 

In conclusion, when you think of aircraft routers, remember that it is our job to ensure airplanes get to the proper maintenance bases in time for work to be completed.  Also, we assign the proper ship for the destination.  Finally, we do all possible to minimize any negative customer impact during irregular operations.