The benefits of tankering considering cost index flying and optional refuelling stops

This work presents the application of a fuel tankering strategy to an airline considering cost index flying and the possibility of using intermediate optional refuelling stops. The tankering solution was based on integer linear programming algorithm using a network modelling strategy. Two methodologies have been used to calculate mission performance according to the aircraft cost index, the first is the complete method where every flight phase (climb, cruise and descent) are optimized according to the cost index. This methodology has the disadvantage of being a slow process as the optimization of every flight leg is time consuming. The second approach is a simplified method, which is based on the Breguet equation and has the advantage of being a quick solution for an initial tankering assessment analysis. A comparison is made between these two methodologies on a simulated multi-stage flight mission demonstrating the validity of this simplified approach. The benefits of a tankering flight using cost index and refuelling stops are illustrated by a study case of a network linking six airports and seventeen optional refuelling stops with different fuel costs. The results from the optimized flight route show a 3% cost reduction at the specific multi stage mission example when compared to a more traditional dispatch approach without the use of the fuel tankering strategy.