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The next KE Hub online Triage Workshop will be presented by easyJet.

Strategic standby aircraft allocation for enhanced network efficiency

Standby aircraft are essential for maintaining operational continuity in the face of unforeseen disruptions. Traditionally, airlines designate a portion of their fleet as standby aircraft, ensuring that replacement planes are available in the event of mechanical issues, adverse weather, or other delays. Currently, we have 14 aircraft designated as standby 3 days ahead of operations, and 11 on the day of operations. This approach, while providing a buffer for unforeseen disruptions, contributes to inefficiencies by sidelining a significant portion of our fleet. The challenge lies in finding the balance between having readily available standby aircraft and achieving maximum fleet utilization.

The aim of this project is to develop a dynamic standby aircraft allocation strategy to optimize the placement and utilization of standby aircraft across the network. This strategy will distribute standby capacity throughout the fleet by mathematically scheduling breaks in the flight schedule across different aircraft and times of the day. Such an approach will ensure that the entire fleet is utilized to its maximum potential while still maintaining the flexibility to respond to operational disruptions. By integrating this dynamic allocation strategy, we can transform how standby aircraft are utilized, moving away from the traditional model of keeping specific aircraft idle towards a more fluid and efficient model that enhances both operational flexibility and fleet efficiency.

Academic mathematical scientists from KE Hub partner university departments are invited to take part in these workshops. If you would like to attend, please contact your local KE Champion to receive the meeting link or get in touch with the organisers, Lauren Hyndman and Diwei Zhou.

KE Hub Triage Workshops are informal discussion sessions where one B.I.G. Partner presents a challenge they are currently facing, with the aim of determining:

1. What, if any, mathematical sciences approaches can be used to address the challenge?
2. Who from the mathematical sciences community would like to take on the challenge?
3. What mechanisms are most appropriate for driving the challenge forward?

The purpose of these workshops is to allow the B.I.G. Partner to engage directly with academic mathematical scientists to probe the scientific content of their proposed challenge. The environment is relaxed and interactive, and we encourage questions, clarifications and discussions throughout. You can find information on all upcoming and past workshops here.