Simulation of aircraft boarding strategies with discrete-event cellular DEVS

Abstract

Time is a critical factor in the airlines industry. Among all factors contributing to an aircraft turnaround time, passenger boarding delays is the most challenging one. Airlines do not have control over the behavior of passengers, thus their only key in reducing passenger boarding time is in implementing efficient boarding strategies. In this work we attempt to use discrete-event cellular DEVS to provide a comprehensive evaluation of aircraft boarding strategies. We have developed a simulation benchmark consisting of various boarding strategies including Back-to-Front, Window Middle Aisle, and Reverse Pyramid. Our simulation models are highly precise and adaptive, providing a powerful analysis apparatus for investigating any existing or yet to be discovered boarding strategy. We explain the details of our models and present the results both visually and numerically to evaluate the three implemented boarding strategies. This research is an on-going effort aiming to optimize and reduce passenger boarding delays in commercial aircrafts.