Scheduling a future air transport system

Abstract

The scheduling of future timetables is an important driver for aircraft sales and design considerations in future aircraft. Airline companies seek to maximise their profits through capturing passenger demand through the quality of service they offer, within which timetabling plays an important role.
In this study a hub and spoke system for medium haul travel is analysed, with particular reference to the time at which departing waves are set from the hub airport. Initially, an optimal wave time based only on the geography of the hub is considered. Subsequently, a model is developed which includes the constraints of market share and limited fleet size, and an example timetable produced. A final note is made about game theoretical aspects that might be considered in moving the work forward.