Using continuous simulation for identifying bottlenecks in specific operation

Abstract

Article deals with creation of continuous simulation model of actual check-in process of selected airline based on identified decision points in passenger handling process. Case study covers actual passenger acceptance situations based on their fulfilment to ticket conditions, ticket fare, transported baggage and considering overbooking situations as planned part of airline revenue management strategy. The problem is related to the identification of bottlenecks in order to efficiently plan and use check-in counters and effectively utilize aircraft seating capacity. Case study shows importance of proper setting of check-in process, together with associated fees in case of not fulfilling ticket conditions, which helps airlines to move breakpoint to favourable percentage of load factor. Simulation models points to possibilities of restriction procedures that affects risk management and movement of breakpoint according to utilization of the aircraft and influence final revenue from the flight. The results of the computer simulation show that ticket prices range from 100.81 € to 398.14 €, the luggage weights ranges from 0.06 kg to 31.57 kg, the total revenue from ticket sales and baggage payments is 44125.8 €.