Optimized aircraft disembarkation considering COVID-19 regulations

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Passenger disembarkation takes place in the confined space of the aircraft cabin. Boarding can be regulated to a certain extent, but this does not apply to disembarking at the end of a flight. COVID-19 constraints require that cabin procedures not only be operationally efficient but also effectively reduce the risk of virus transmission to passengers. We have developed a new mathematical model that accounts for these conflicting goals. We used an already improved seat assignment for passenger groups (e.g., families or couples) and implemented a genetic algorithm that generates improved disembarkation sequences. Our use cases show a significant 40% reduction in disembarkation time when physical spacing between passenger groups is required to comply with pandemic regulations. To inform passenger groups about the disembarkation sequence, we propose to activate the cabin lights at the seats in a dedicated way. Thus, our developed methodology could already be applied to actual airline operations.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)880-900
Number of pages21
Journal Transportmetrica : B, Transport dynamics
Volume10
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 16 Aug 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85112563679

Keywords

Keywords

  • Passenger disembarkation, virus transmission, COVID-19, pandemic requirements, passenger groups in aircraft cabin, two-objective mathematical modelling