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Applications of Operations Research in the Air Transport Industry

Author

Listed:
  • Cynthia Barnhart

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139)

  • Peter Belobaba

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139)

  • Amedeo R. Odoni

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139)

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of several important areas of operations research applications in the air transport industry. Specific areas covered are: the various stages of aircraft and crew schedule planning; revenue management, including overbooking and leg-based and network-based seat inventory management; and the planning and operations of aviation infrastructure (airports and air traffic management). For each of these areas, the paper provides a historical perspective on OR contributions, as well as a brief summary of the state of the art. It also identifies some of the main challenges for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Cynthia Barnhart & Peter Belobaba & Amedeo R. Odoni, 2003. "Applications of Operations Research in the Air Transport Industry," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 37(4), pages 368-391, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ortrsc:v:37:y:2003:i:4:p:368-391
    DOI: 10.1287/trsc.37.4.368.23276
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