1st Edition

Airline Operations and Delay Management Insights from Airline Economics, Networks and Strategic Schedule Planning

By Cheng-Lung Wu Copyright 2010

    Airline Operations and Delay Management fills a gap within the area of airline schedule planning by addressing the close relationships between network development, economic driving forces, schedule demands and operational complexity. The pursuit of robust airline scheduling and reliable airline operations is discussed in light of the future trends of airline scheduling and technology applications in airline operations. The book extensively explores the subject from the perspectives of airline economics, airline network development and airline scheduling practices. Many operational issues and problems are the inevitable consequences of airline network development and scheduling philosophy, so a wide perspective is essential to address airline operations in their proper context. The influence of airline network development on schedule planning and operations driven by economic forces and relaxed regulations is thoroughly examined for different types of operations in aviation such as network carriers and low-cost carriers. The advantages and disadvantages of running different networks and schedules are discussed and illustrated with real airline examples. In addition, this book provides readers with various mathematical models for solving different issues in airline operations and delay management. Airline Operations and Delay Management is ideal for senior undergraduate students as an introductory book on airline operations. The more advanced materials included in this book regarding modeling airline operations are suitable for postgraduate students, advanced readers and professionals interested in modeling and solving airline operational problems.

    Chapter 1 Introduction to Airline Operations and the Operating Environment; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4; Chapter 5; Chapter 6 Robust Airline Scheduling and Operational Reliability;

    Biography

    Dr Cheng-Lung (Richard) Wu is a Senior Lecturer with the Department of Aviation at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. He obtained his PhD from Loughborough University, UK, in 2001. Since then Cheng-Lung has devoted much of his time to the subjects of airline operations, schedule planning/optimization, and delay/operations modeling, both through his research and also consulting for several major airlines. Cheng-Lung also publishes extensively in major air transport journals, such as the Journal of Air Transport Management and Transportation Planning and Technology, and is an editorial board member of the World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research and the International Journal of Aviation Management.

    'Network and Schedule Planning are key functions in any airline. In practice, many airlines do not give these issues the depth of analysis they deserve. Wu’s book is a practical guide to application of complex network theory, and to resolving the management of conflicting demands on schedulers. It provides valuable lessons for airline managers to improve their on-time performance, delay management and efficient utilisation of their fleet.' David Forsyth, Chairman Airservices Australia, and former Executive General Manager Airline Operations, QANTAS 'Airline network planning and schedule optimisation sets up a wide range set of problems to be resolved, entailing operations research, economics and other disciplines. Wu's book provides a systematic yet practical guide to these. The book is masterly in the way that it elucidates complex material and builds up to reach a comprehensive synthesis. The result is a book which can be recommended strongly to both students and researchers.' Peter Forsyth, Monash University, Australia 'In my view, the book will benefit airline personnel directly involved in schedule planning and operations by making a cross-functional view available to them leading to much greater understanding.' Aerlines, Issue 49, 2011 'Dr Wu has done an outstanding job of delineating the challenges faced by airlines in building their schedules and making them more robust. He outlines key strategies in minimising delays such as depeaking or rolling hubs. The book is well written and it is easy to follow the author's reasoning. Dr Wu utilises his consultant experience with cases and examples that provide real-life applications. The level of mathematics makes it easier for airline practitioners and students to understand the key concepts and apply them. Dr Wu's latest book is a great companion to Airline Operations and Scheduling by Massoud Bazargan, also published by Ashgate.' Journal of Airport Management, Vol 4 No 4, 2010