Use of Simulation Tools for Optimization of the Time Duration of Winter Maintenance Activities at Airports

Abstract

Aviation and climate change are often associated. The effects of climate change have increasing impact on the safe operation of airports. Due to both climate and weather conditions changes, airport winter maintenance is a significantly important activity of airports, especially in areas where a harsh winter season is expected. Continuous optimization of airport winter maintenance processes is necessary. The aim of this article is to present a possible way to optimize maintenance processes using simulation tools. The team of researchers identified key factors that are necessary for the application of the optimization. The article presents a procedure designed for safe handling of one of the model situations in winter maintenance of airports. The model of simulation defines critical points in the maintenance procedures designed for maintenance optimization using the data obtained from an international airport. Based on the determination of critical points of the maintenance procedures processed using a Gantt chart, the authors analyzed the differences of the performed procedures applied in the airport. The result of applied research is the identification of the next critical points in the simulation that may potentially represent critical activities of the winter maintenance procedure and have an influence on their optimization.