Optimization of Crew Assignment Problems in Aviation: A Mini Review Study

Abstract

Planning and management of airline operations are of strategic importance for airline transportation. Problems such as fleet planning, crew search, flight scheduling and routing are among the basic elements of aviation operations and need to be managed in detail. Each problem has various constraints and with limited capacity, these processes need to be developed with maximum efficiency, minimum cost, minimum resource utilization and maximum customer satisfaction. In addition, these objectives are very difficult to achieve in the aviation industry where high safety and security are required. Many of these problems are classified as NP-Hard and have been intensively studied by researchers. Many optimization techniques are used to solve these problems. In this paper, a review of the crew assignment problem in aviation operations is presented and the problem is investigated in relation to flight assignment, fleet management and routing processes. The problems encountered in the processes and their solutions are presented to the researchers based on the studies in the literature. This article is based on studies conducted in 2020-2024. The application of optimization techniques is of great importance for the successful integration of these processes, timely and safe airline operations, competition and sustainable aviation. The study aims to raise awareness about the development and orientation of crew assignment problems in aviation and the characteristics of the applied methods.