Multi-objective genetic algorithm for robust flight scheduling

Abstract

Traditional methods of developing flight schedules generally do not take into consideration disruptions that may arise during actual operations. Potential irregularities are not adequately considered during the planning stage of a flight schedule. As such, flight schedules cannot be fulfilled as planned and their performance is compromised, which may lead to huge losses in revenue. In this thesis, a procedure to improve the robustness of an existing flight schedule was developed. The problem is modelled as a multi-objective optimization problem, optimizing the departure times of flights. A simulation model, SimAir, that models the operational irregularities has been employed to evaluate the performance of the flight schedule.