Tags:Aircraft Load Optimization, Assignment, Cargo container, Load Optimization Model, Load Planning Algorithm, Loading Time, Rule-based Expert System and Unit Load Device (ULD)
Abstract:
One of the main challenges in air cargo transportations is how to assign cargo in an aircraft without exceeding safety constraints and including profit aspects. Therefore, challenging work planning has to be done for each flight. The scientific works mention “aircraft cargo loading” as a term that can be used for different related problems like container selection, cargo packing, and loading cargo bins into the aircraft deck, etc. All of the searched models just focus on certain aspects, but in real practice load optimization is a more extensive problem that also refers to aircraft operations and handling service. Furthermore, some practical considerations have not been mentioned in the previous literature resources. The work highlights specific aspects, which particularize the role of aircraft load optimization and various criteria that influence on loading process itself and consequently on the air company work operations. The necessity of designing suitable methods that may solve the aircraft cargo load optimization problem within its multiple constraints leads to decomposing the problem and implementation of a decision-making algorithm. The following algorithm describes the predefined assignment of containers (Unit Load Devices) towards the aircraft cargo deck matching the multiple conditions and constraints to unload them in a finite sequence with respecting the center of gravity envelope and the weight and balance restrictions.
Application of an Intellectual Integrated Multicriteria Load Optimization Model in the Aircraft Load Planning