Agent based model for hub operations cost reduction

Abstract

Hub operations are complex as not only flight delay but also passengers’ connections need to be managed to minimise airlines’ operating costs. When facing delayed aircraft, the aircraft operator can speed up incoming flights to the hub to reduce the delay and/or actively delay outbound flights to wait for passengers that would miss their connection, these outbound flights can be speeded up on their turn. This optimisation cannot be carried out in isolation as the system has limited resources that need to be allocated in concurrence with other flights. For this reason, a negotiation process is required. In this context, the use of agent based modelling techniques allows us to describe the behaviour of the different stakeholders in a smooth manner and to analyse complex interactions and the impact of local decisions at network level.