Designing a centralised model to value balance between aircraft uptime and downtime from an integral airline perspective

a case study at KLM E&M

Master thesis (2023)

Authors

S. Hooijschuur Mechanical Engineering

Contributors

W.W.A. Beelaerts van Blokland Transport Engineering and Logistics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (supervisor 1)
R.R. Negenborn (supervisor 2)
A. Napoleone (coach)
P.H.L. Crombach (supervisor 1)
Faculty
Mechanical Engineering
Copyright: © 2023 Stijn Hooijschuur
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Published Date

03-10-2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

This research aim was to design a centralised model that redefines definitions, standardises maintenance by categorisation, and reduces waste by introducing new slot lengths, leading to an equilibrium between flights and maintenance. This equilibrium enhances the airline’s capacity to manage maintenance efficiently and ensures greater uptime. The model addresses the important aspects of airline planning, including maintenance, flight and operation planning. Lean Six Sigma theories serve as a framework to combine the different plannings. The key importance is that the model considers all the stakeholders instead of only one so that the equilibrium between excessive flying and excessive maintenance can be established. In striking such a balance, uptime is assumed to increase.