A Two-Level Scheme for Network Selection and Schedule Optimization of Cargo Airlines

Abstract

This paper considers Day of Operations Scheduling (DAYOPS) problem for an express cargo airline. The task involves generating optimum schedule based on one of the six objective functions incorporating real-time constraints and then further optimizing the schedule based on the amount and type of cargo to be sent via each route. This two-level scheme results in efficient cargo allocation without changing the flight schedules. The constraints on fleet mix and airport slots are considered, and routing is driven by information related to flight operations and inter-city cargo carriage demand matrix. This study is an extension of previous work in which a methodology was developed for designing a demand responsive and flexible schedule for an airline, incorporating some of the operating constraints. A heuristic approach for route selection using Grey Theory was formulated, and integrated to an optimizer based on Genetic Algorithms, to generate the optimal schedules. The methodology came up with schedules having 18% higher cargo carried, or 12% lower operating cost, as compared to the baseline schedule operated by an express cargo airline in India.