An approach to predict operational performance of airline schedules using aircraft assignment key performance indicators

Abstract

This thesis presents an approach for predicting operational performance of airlines on the basis of flight schedules and aircraft assignments. The methodology uses aggregate measures of properties of aircraft assignments, called Aircraft Assignment Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and aims to find correlations between them and the operational performance of the airline. A simulation experiment is prepared to gather a large set of data points for analysis. A motivation is given for the use of control theoretic approaches in airline operations to utilize the KPIs as a basis for initial planning and corrective actions.