%0 Journal Article
%T Multiobjective Optimization of Aircraft Maintenance in Thailand Using Goal Programming: A Decision-Support Model
%A Yuttapong Pleumpirom
%A Sataporn Amornsawadwatana
%J Advances in Decision Sciences
%D 2012
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2012/128346
%X The purpose of this paper is to develop the multiobjective optimization model in order to evaluate suppliers for aircraft maintenance tasks, using goal programming. The authors have developed a two-step process. The model will firstly be used as a decision-support tool for managing demand, by using aircraft and flight schedules to evaluate and generate aircraft-maintenance requirements, including spare-part lists. Secondly, they develop a multiobjective optimization model by minimizing cost, minimizing lead time, and maximizing the quality under various constraints in the model. Finally, the model is implemented in the actual airline's case. 1. Introduction With severe competition and under the current global uncertainty, airlines have to generate new strategies in order to enhance their competitive advantages in the current marketplace [1¨C4]. Currently, an individual airline mainly focuses on its existing business function, while impacts from supply chain efficiency have been neglected. Consequently, the aviation supply chain management is not well understood and effectively implemented like other industries for example, automobiles, electronics, and so forth [5]. Thus, the effective management of the aviation supply chain must be considered [6]. Major findings show that there is information about new trends in the aviation supply chain that correlate with existing problems [7]. The supply chain in aircraft maintenance includes the flow of materials or services from many suppliers through airline maintenance [8]. The airline must fulfill air travelling demand as committed to in their flight schedule. The supply chain in Thai Aviation starts from the aircraft owner requesting services to commercial maintenance centers or internal maintenance department. The maintenance manager buys the materials or outsources services from overseas suppliers. There are more than 1,000 aircraft in Thailand, which are operated by commercial airlines, government, commercial flying training schools, and private owners [9]. Government agencies fly their aircraft under a self-quality assurance system with support from manufacturers. The Royal Thai Air Force, Royal Thai Navy, Royal Thai Army, Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Natural Resources are operating aircraft fleets under different maintenance systems. They usually buy spare parts overseas. Most of them believe that aircraft parts which are manufactured or repaired by the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) are top-quality products, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or European Aviation Safety Agency
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ads/2012/128346/