Dutch carrier KLM has created a new AI-based range of tools to help improve the operational efficiency of airlines.

KLM has launched a partnership with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to offer a set of AI-enabled solutions and tools that have been developed over the past 18 months.

These tools are designed to improve the efficiency of airline operations across their fleet, crew, ground services and network.

They include using AI to make luggage loading “smarter”, including the ability to remove any bags from “no show” customers more quickly and reduce potential departure delays.

Another initiative sees the use of advanced prediction models to try to prevent one delayed flight from affecting other services, as well as offering more effective ways of dealing with the disruption to flights caused by bad weather.

KLM and BCG are also offering solutions to create more “efficient” crew schedules for airlines.

The two companies said the first set of solutions was already in operation within KLM and they were now “ready to launch this service to the aviation industry worldwide”.

René de Groot, KLM’s chief operating officer, says:

“This partnership also strengthens the digital-focused strategy we have developed over the past several years, and is a key move to becoming the most customer-centric, innovative and efficient network carrier.”

The AI-based solutions have been developed following work by KLM’s operations departments and BCG’s airline consultancy and its team of data scientists and software engineers, known as BCG Gamma.

Nicolas Boutin, head of BCG’s airline practice, adds:

“Our partnership will drive growth for both companies, stimulate a unique value for customers worldwide and be an incredible innovation boost for the industry.”