LAUSR

Abstract In this paper, we propose a stochastic programming approach to perform optimal and robust offshore flight scheduling from a service level perspective, reducing flight delays. The two-stage stochastic programming is reduced to a deterministic equivalent linear program and, considering the combinatorial characteristic of scheduling problems, we use Sample Average Approximation to generate scenarios. A Discrete Event Simulation model is developed to compare the stochastic and deterministic approaches. Numerical results indicate that a stochastic approach to offshore flight scheduling can reduce unpredictable delays, which have a major impact on passengers, without significantly increasing aircraft idle time. In addition, the stochastic approach allows dealing with operational downtime windows with uncertainties in duration and occurrence.