Sahun Y. Method and model of optimization of aircraft load planning

The thesis is devoted to solution of the relevant scientific task related to the development of load optimization method and model for the ramp cargo aircraft during the multileg route with the aim of reducing the handling operations time duration subject with safety restrictions (aircraft weight and balance). The load planning optimization method to reduce the time for handling operations in the conditions of multilag transportation was developed in this work that counts a cargo priority loading criteria, without exceeding the air safety rates such as weight and balance restrictions. The load planning decision-making algorithms were developed that act based on data of the “rule-based” expert system, in which knowledge base is created through the information, obtained from the range of questioned experts of the air cargo transportation sector. The complex load planning optimization model was developed that enables to automate the load planning process, reduce the number of errors in flight planning and to consider the unplanned “last-minute cargo” without exceeding the weight and balance limits. The scientific novelty of received results consists in the following statements: for the first time was developed the load planning optimization method to reduce the time for handling operations and consequently to cut the operating costs in the conditions of a multilag route, that based on the criterion of cargo loading priority depending on the order of its delivery, without exceeding the flight safety limits (aircraft weight and balance); for the first time was developed the complex load planning optimization model based on the aircraft priority loading algorithm that considers sequence of unloading of cargo on the intermediate sections of a multilag route with observance the acceptable rates of weight and balance and enables to minimize the aircraft loading time and handling costs per one flight on the contrary with other existing models; improved load planning decision-making algorithm of the cargo aircraft with unspecified ULD amount and multileg route conditions that differs from the other decisions; adapted heuristic decision-making method of the aircraft load planning process that enables to use the high quality staff decisions to upgrade the loading procedures. The practical results are directed to improve the effectiveness and safety while maintaining the handling procedures and intensify the air company aircraft fleet with reduction of the handling procedures duration in the multileg conditions. The practical value of the obtained results is determined with a successful application of the load planning optimization computer model in the air company operations. The developed optimization algorithm and 3D aircraft ІL-76 loading model was implemented to the Blender Version 2.83 program. Experimental data from the range of LLC «Aircompany ZetАvіа» flights demonstrated that the model implementation has enabled to reduce the average loading/unloading time on the range of direct flights to 7% and on the multileg flights to 12%. The main results of the work are implemented in the educational process of the Flight Academy of the National Aviation University and in operations work of the LLC «Aircompany ZеtАvіа» that is proved by the relevant implementation acts. The main research results are recommended to be exploited in the professional training of load planning staff (Ground Dispatch) and directly with Loadmasters. The economic effectiveness after the implemented load planning model in the form of operating cost reduction was justified.