Modeling Framework of Origin and Destination Air Cargo Routing

This contribution summarizes modeling work aimed at explaining and predicting global airfreight flows. The centerpiece and computational goal is a multistep, twofold capacity-restrained itinerary-based demand assignment algorithm using sample weekly observations from a period timetable. The supply-side module is organized into carrier route subnetworks, as defined by interlining agreements or strategic alliances. The main objective is to map the modeled cargo flows to the modeled flight capacities on city pairs. In doing so, it is essential that itineraries remain reproducible and realistic at the origin and destination level. Moreover, the computational complexity must be kept manageable. The very detailed load patterns obtained allow for model calibration by using, for example, observed tonnages at the airport, carrier, and city-pair levels.