Managing the Mapping of Schedule Activity Types

Overview

This article explains how to create a new schedule activity type for manually updated schedules in Avinode, how to switch a tail from manual to integrated scheduling, and how to manage activity type mapping when your schedule is updated by an FMS integration. You will also find explanations of all Avinode Equivalents and how the Default Type works.

For manually updated schedules

To add a new schedule activity in Avinode, you first need to create an Activity Type. This is done on the Schedule → Activity Types page in Avinode.

1. Enter the name of your new activity type.

2. Select the Avinode Equivalent from the drop-down list. You can review the explanations of each equivalent in the section below.

3. Select a display color using the color picker or by entering a HEX code. The color will automatically appear in the Display Color field.

4. If you have multiple activity types mapped to the same Avinode Equivalent, choose which one should be the Default Type by selecting the Default Type checkbox.

5. Click Save.

 

Switching a tail from manual to an integrated schedule

If your aircraft schedule will be managed by your FMS integration, the schedule setting for that tail must be changed from manual to integrated. This change can only be made by Avinode Support, so you will need to contact us and request it.

Please note: When a tail is switched from manual to integrated, all existing schedule data for that aircraft in Avinode is cleared in preparation for the incoming data from your FMS. Therefore, please ensure that you have a backup of your schedule elsewhere before requesting the change.

For integrated schedules

Once your FMS integration is connected to Avinode and starts sending schedule data, you need to map the activity types from your FMS to their correct Avinode Equivalent.

This mapping is an essential step. It allows Avinode to correctly interpret your schedule, understand when your aircraft is available or occupied, and identify empty leg opportunities for marketing in the Avinode Marketplace.

The first time your schedule data is received, all activities will be interpreted as Occupied by default. You should therefore review and update the mappings as soon as your integration is active so that Avinode reads your schedule correctly.

In the Schedule -> Activity Types view:

• The first column shows the activity types sent by your FMS.

• The second column displays the color used in the Avinode Schedule.

• The third column, Avinode Equivalent, determines how Avinode interprets that activity.

 

To update the mapping:

1. Click the activity type.

2. In the Edit activity type pop-up, assign the correct Avinode Equivalent.

3. If needed, set the activity as the Default Type for that equivalent. Only one Default Type can exist per Avinode Equivalent.

4. Click Save.

Please note: changes to mappings only take effect after Avinode receives the next schedule update from your FMS.

Avinode Equivalents explained

Below is a description of each Avinode Equivalent and how Avinode interprets them.

Empty Leg Availability
Activities mapped to this type will be treated as available in Aircraft Search and will also appear in Empty Leg Search.

Ferry Availability
Activities mapped to this type will be treated as available in Aircraft Search but will not be marketed as empty legs.

Flight Occupied
Activities mapped to this type are considered occupied in Aircraft Search. Use this for all passenger-carrying flights, such as Part 135 or Part 91 operations.

Occupied
Activities mapped to this type indicate that the aircraft is occupied. Use this for non-flight occupancy, such as maintenance.

Onground Availability
Activities mapped to this type indicate that the aircraft is available while on the ground. This can be used to show transient availability when the aircraft is away from home base. Avinode will price the aircraft from the indicated location rather than from home base. Sending this type is optional.

Option Availability
This is an information-only type. Activities mapped here appear in the Schedule but do not affect aircraft positioning or availability. Useful for unconfirmed trips or optional holds.

Default Type explained

The Default Type is the primary activity Avinode uses when several FMS activity types map to the same Avinode Equivalent. It tells Avinode which one to prioritise so your schedule is interpreted consistently. Only one Default Type can be assigned per Avinode Equivalent, which prevents conflicting interpretations and ensures correct availability behaviour in the Marketplace.