Flying on time: reducing cancellations and delays through goal programming in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

Flight delays and cancellations have been identified as persistent problems in PNG, which relies heavily on air transportation because its road network has limited reach and difficult geographical conditions. In this work, Goal Programming is applied to the disruption data provided by the NAC in a 12-month period. Several reasons for delays and cancellations are considered: Technical/Engineering Issues, Fuel Rationing, Crew Shortages, Weather and Infrastructure, Wildlife and Airport Infrastructure, and Aircraft Maintenance. For each category, target values for operations are established along with deviation values that measure the difference between the actual levels and the corresponding targets. As a result of the application of the model, a total deviation value of 100 units was obtained for the entire period. Among the causes, Technical/Engineering Issues caused the greatest deviation (46 units), while Fuel Rationing was second with 34 units. Deviations for other categories included Weather and Infrastructure (9 units), Wildlife and Airport Infrastructure (8 units), Crew Shortages (3 units), and there was no deviation in Aircraft Maintenance. It can be seen how useful Goal Programming is as a decision-making tool for identifying priorities in order to improve operations.