AIRLINE PLANNING AND SCHEDULING

Abstract

Efficient crew scheduling plays a vital role in ensuring smooth operations and optimal resource utilization within the airline industry. This report presents a comprehensive analysis of crew scheduling using the Hungarian method, a powerful technique derived from operations research. The objective of this study is to develop a systematic approach for assigning crew members to flights, considering various constraints such as crew availability, qualifications, and legal regulations. The report begins by providing an overview of the crew scheduling problem, emphasizing its complexity due to the large number of flights, crew members, and intricate interdependencies. It then introduces the Hungarian method as a suitable mathematical framework for optimizing crew assignments, leveraging its ability to solve assignment problems in polynomial time. Next, the report outlines the implementation of the Hungarian method in the context of crew scheduling. It explains the process of formulating the problem as an assignment matrix. To evaluate the performance of the Hungarian method, the report presents a case study involving a medium-sized airline. Real-world data, including flight schedules, crew availability, and legal regulations, are utilized to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The results show significant improvements in crew utilization and operational efficiency compared to traditional manual scheduling methods. In conclusion, the application of the Hungarian method in crew scheduling proves to be a valuable tool for airlines, enabling them to optimize crew assignments while considering multiple constraints.