Multi-Operation Automated Vehicles for Aircraft Turnarounds
T.G. Hogenelst (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)
M.B. Duinkerken – Mentor (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)
Vasso Reppa – Mentor (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)
Y. Pang – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)
More Info
expand_more
Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.
Abstract
Due to poor working conditions caused by emissions, heavy workloads, and significant staff shortages, airlines and airports are turning towards automation for a solution. While many automation developments focus on turnaround management and scheduling, research on the automated execution of turnaround operations is lacking, especially within arrival and departure operations and on the usage of multi-operation vehicles. This study aims to determine whether combining multiple operations into a single autonomous platform is operationally and financially beneficial. Task dependencies and interconnections were modelled, allowing the simulation of interactions and propagation of delays. A financial model was then developed to quantify the impact of changes in turnaround durations on delay-related costs. Based on net present value, reliability, flexibility, and technological readiness, different automated concepts developed for each operation were assessed and compared with multi-operation automated platforms. Additionally, the effects of automation on the scheduling, spatial management, and communications during aircraft turnarounds were analysed, accompanied by a risk analysis. Findings from this study indicate that the automation of arrival and departure operations can provide operational gains and positive financial returns, provided reliability performance meets the required thresholds. Multi-operation platforms enhance flexibility significantly, but may underperform in operational efficiency and financial viability. The results from this thesis provide an informed approach in automating aircraft turnarounds, supporting decision-making on automation concepts and accelerating the transition to an environment that ensures occupational health and safety for ground staff.