A MODEL FOR THE DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF AIR CARGO SYSTEMS

Abstract : How best to transport cargo by air, given a certain set of constraints, is an important and costly area of logistics. This Memorandum describes a model for analyzing two basic problems in the design and operation of such a system: (1) evaluating the system in terms of cost and ability to satisfy specified constraints (e.g., all routes to require less than some given time interval); and (2) developing a flight structure (planes, routes, schedule) for moving the cargo that will minimize cost subject to the specified constraints. The programs and operating procedures described can accomplish both tasks, quickly and economically. (Author)