Scheduling Aircraft Ground Handling Operations Under Uncertainty Using Critical Path Analysis and Monte Carlo Simulation

Abstract

Aircraft ground handling is an integral part of airline operations. Although ground handling operations usually are straightforward, it could be very complicated in certain situations, such as troubling cargo loading and unloading incidents, weather conditions or improper use of equipment and breakdowns. Ground handlers need to orchestrate a number of activities within a confined area around airplane in a short period of time. Punctuality is important for airlines and resulting increased efficiencies. In this article, scheduling aircraft ground handling operations with uncertain durations using the critical path analysis and Monte Carlo simulation is considered with the aim of improving aircraft ground services during the turnaround. Having an accurate estimate of aircraft turnaround time considering its type and load, the recourses would be assigned to the ground operations more efficiently. A case study of a long-range wide-body twin-engine jet aircraft is discussed in detail. The results indicate that the proposed method gives improved scheduling relative to the routines observed at a hub airport.