Airline Operations Research

The Aviation Operations and Simulation Laboratory

This lab offers the hardware and software necessary to perform complex simulations on issues affecting the aviation/aerospace industry. The newest addition to the lab is Sabre Solution products for revenue management and fleet assignment.

Sample Projects:

Problem: An airline was interested in the costs/benefits of purchasing a supertug to reposition aircraft at one of their main airport bases.
Solution: A simulated model of the airport and aircraft movements was created to demonstrate a cost/benefit breakeven that exceeded the expectations of the airline management.

Problem: Irregular operations due to such issues as weather cause flight crews and planes to be out-of-position for regular, standard operations. 
Solution: A real time tool was developed for airline crew recovery desks to proactively manage pilots’ trip-pairs.

Problem: Ground delay issues create flight-landing slot reallocation.
Solution: Create a cooperative decision making tool using genetic algorithms to reallocate slots.

RFID Lab

Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) enhanced with GPS is an electronic technology with applications for tracking human and physical assets in many industries.

Problem: How do you track key assets in special operations?
Solution: Attach RFID tags that transmit location and condition to computer screens for real time tracking

The Teaching Airport

This partnership between Embry-Riddle and the Daytona Beach Airport brings theory, practice, applied research, and public good together.

Problem: How does a small-medium size non-hub expand airline and route selection.
Solution: A zip code study was conducted to identify the key destinations for local residents and serve as the primary data for marketing efforts to new and existing airlines.