Abstract: A departure sequencing system models airport operations and provides suggested gate pushback times for aircraft. In various embodiments, a departure sequencing system includes an airport state analyzer, a taxi-out predictor, and a pushback optimizer. The departure sequencing system may utilize stochastic models, and resolve aircraft conflicts using a business rules engine. Via use of the departure sequencing system, taxi times may be reduced, taxi fuel burn may be reduced, and airport throughput may be increased.

Abstract: A method that includes: receiving, by a processor(s), a user identifier and an authentication identifier that are associated with a user of a computer gaining direct access to information within a first application; displaying, on a GUI of the computer, a first window associated with the first application; displaying, on the GUI and simultaneously with the first window, a second window associated with a second application to initiate a chat session; after displaying the first and second windows, receiving by the processor(s), a user input associated with an information request; identifying, using the processor(s) and the second application, contextual inputs associated with the session and/or the user; accessing, using the processor(s) and the second application, a third application; identifying, using the processor(s) and the second application, information relevant to the information request within the third application; and displaying a response to the first information request in the second window.

Abstract: A rack for holding a portion of a thrust reverser. The rack may include a base and a supporting frame disposed perpendicularly with the base. The base and the supporting frame may include a hinge at each location where the base and the supporting frame are coupled together. The rack may also include two supporting poles parallel to the supporting frame. The two supporting poles may be designed such that the portion of the thrust reverser may be mounted onto the two supporting poles.

Abstract: Systems and methods of retailing a retail item to an airline passenger generally include providing an airplane equipped with: an airplane cabin; a plurality of seats disposed within the airplane cabin and partitioned by an aisle; a service cart movable along the aisle; and a digital reader device; positioning the retail item in the vicinity of the digital reader device; reading an item identifier of the retail item using the digital reader device; storing the item identifier in a reader memory of the digital reader device; positioning a digital payment object in the vicinity of the digital reader device, the digital payment object being carried onto the airplane by the airline passenger; communicating information between the digital payment object and the digital reader device; and processing payment for the retail item. The digital payment object may include a physical passenger identifier, a contactless payment object, or a portable user device.

Abstract: A method of matching a found item record with an existing item record, wherein the found item record includes a plurality of record fields. In an example embodiment, the found item is a piece of cargo that is associated with a travel route. In an example embodiment, the method includes: receiving, by one or more processors and from a remote user device, a photo file that comprises an image of the found item; generating, based on the image and using an image to image-description application, text describing an appearance of the found item; storing the generated text describing the appearance of the found item in a first record field from the plurality of record fields; and comparing the text within the first record field with text within a first record field in the existing item record to match the found item record with the existing item record.

Abstract: A system and method of generating an transparent optimized shift schedule for a plurality of crew members that includes receiving a plurality of shift bids from the plurality of crew members, with each of the shift bids to be either classified as awarded or rejected, optimizing the transparent optimized shift schedule; and presenting, to each crewmember from the plurality of crewmembers who submitted a shift bid classified as a rejected shift bid, the reason code associated with his or her rejected shift bid; wherein presenting, to each crewmember from the plurality of crewmembers who submitted a shift bid classified as a rejected shift bid, his or her shift assignment from the optimized shift schedule and a reason code associated with his or her rejected shift bid provides transparency as to why each rejected shift bid was rejected.

Abstract: A departure sequencing system models airport operations and provides suggested gate pushback times for aircraft. In various embodiments, a departure sequencing system includes an airport state analyzer, a taxi-out predictor, and a pushback optimizer. The departure sequencing system may utilize stochastic models, and resolve aircraft conflicts using a business rules engine. Via use of the departure sequencing system, taxi times may be reduced, taxi fuel burn may be reduced, and airport throughput may be increased.

Abstract: A system and method according to which goods and services are provided during vehicular travel. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle is an airplane operated by a commercial airline.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and reporting aircraft turnaround activities at an airport gate that includes monitoring the airport gate using a first camera that has a first field of view associated with the airport gate; generating, using the first camera, first image data capturing a first activity within the first field of view; receiving, by processor(s), the first image data; identifying, by the processor(s), the first activity captured in the first image data; comparing, using a computer application, aspect(s) of the first activity with a predetermined schedule; and displaying, on a graphical user interface remote from the first camera and using the computer application, an alert indicating that the first activity does not comply with the predetermined schedule; wherein the processor(s) include a machine learning processor.

Abstract: A method of assigning numbers to flights includes displaying, in a first window that is displayed on a GUI, a slideable scale that receives a pairing preference input that indicates a user preference relating to the classification of flights as thru flights relative to the classification of flights as out-and-back flights. The method also includes: after displaying the first window, receiving by a processor the pairing preference input; in response to the receipt of the pairing preference input, classifying, using a flight number optimization model, each flight as one of: a thru flight, an out-and-back flight, and a stand-alone flight based on the pairing preference input; assigning, using the flight number optimization model, a number to each flight; and displaying, in a second window that is displayed on the GUI, at least a portion of an output schedule that comprises assigned numbers for each flight.

Abstract: A rack for holding a portion of a thrust reverser. The rack may include a base and a supporting frame disposed perpendicularly with the base. The base and the supporting frame may include a hinge at each location where the base and the supporting frame are coupled together. The rack may also include two supporting poles parallel to the supporting frame. The two supporting poles may be designed such that the portion of the thrust reverser may be mounted onto the two supporting poles.

Abstract: A system and method for optimally managing aircraft assets according to which a maintenance activity, costs, and aircraft asset deposition are addressed. In one embodiment, the aircraft assets are aircraft and/or engines.

Abstract: A system and method that includes receiving for each passenger: a PNR; a passenger identification number (“PIN”); a passenger's historical itinerary; a fare; and an assigned seat. The method also includes assigning each PIN with a customer segment; storing the assignment within a first table; and then associating, using the first table and hierarchical rules stored within a second table, each PIN with a demand category. The method also includes identifying a product market; identifying a demand for the product market by each demand category; representing, using a utility function, the demand for the product market; and using the utility functions in a variable pricing strategy for the product market. The method also includes changing the hierarchical rules to alter the association between customer segments and demand categories without changing logic code, thereby increasing flexibility of the system.

Abstract: A computer based system for determining even-spaced quantiles using class authorization level values and network values. Determining a curve and a set of revised values, and remapping based on the revised values.

Abstract: The system determines even-spaced quantiles for network optimization. The system may utilize authorization level to expected network conversion. The system may be used in connection with yield management systems, inventory control systems, or revenue management systems.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for determining a real-time probability iteratively throughout a period of time. The system conducts an upgrade analysis by determining that an expected marginal seat revenue for a sale of an additional coach seat is greater than an expected marginal seat revenue for a sale of an additional first class seat.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for forecasting costs and determining probabilities, along with the use of prediction modeling. The system analyzes previous actions to determine future actions, while using cost prediction modeling.

Abstract: A misconnect management system models the movement of passengers, bags, and crew through flights and airports. In various embodiments, a misconnect management system identifies potential misconnected passengers and provides recommendations and input configured to support decision makers, such as ramp controllers and operations controller, in evaluating hold/no hold decisions for a flight. Via use of the misconnect management system and associated methods, misconnected passenger numbers may be reduced, expenses associated with missed connections may be reduced, and organizational efficiency may be improved.

Abstract: In a computerized remapping system for airline seat bookings, actual airline seat bookings are restated in a remapped form reflecting the value of each leg of the booking from a network perspective, facilitating improved demand forecasts for subsequent seat bookings. In this manner, seat protects and seat pricing may be better allocated to align with actual demand.

Abstract: A computer based system for determining even-spaced quantiles using class authorization level values and network values. Determining a curve and a set of revised values, and remapping based on the revised values.