Long-haul depatures from RIX airport distribution - RTU Statistics Project
This project, originally conceived as a Statistics Course project, aimed to delve into the theoretical aspects of various statistical methods and their practical implementation. Surpassing initial expectations, it evolved into research, transcending the theoretical confines of the course.
Its significance lies in providing insightful data for RIX airport, particularly in understanding the correlation between the distribution of day/time for long-haul departures and the frequency of "critical turnarounds." This comprehensive research not only offers a deeper understanding of statistical methodologies but also serves as a valuable resource for RIX airport in conducting further studies.
The complete project paper, detailing the analysis conducted, along with the dataset and some processing steps, is available for download below.
Purpose of the Study
The main purpose of this study is to research theoretical aspects of various statistical methods and provide a practical implementation of them. The purpose of the project in the body of the study report is to analyze flight departure times from Riga International Airport (RIX) and their correlation with flight durations.
The study aims to determine whether there is an even distribution of flight ranges or if flights to specific destinations are concentrated during certain days and times. Insights from this study may help airlines and airport authorities to make informed decisions and optimize flight schedules.
Importance of the Topic
Longer flights require more Turnaround time, including fueling and onboarding food delivery, among other things. This preparation time, combined with the longer flight time to Riga International Airport (RIX), poses a higher risk of such flight delays.
However, understanding the information that certain days and times have a higher volume of long-range departures can help airports distribute flights evenly throughout the schedule, reducing the load on airport systems and decreasing the risk of flight delays.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis for this study is that there are specific time periods during the day and week when the average flight duration for departures from Riga International Airport (RIX) is higher than usual, and flights to specific destinations concentrate during certain days and times.
Interpreting the Results
Based on preliminary data obtained during the creation of visualizations and an overview of the dataset, it has been determined that:
- The longest flight durations are typically scheduled for morning departures between 10 and 12 o'clock inclusive. This is especially prominent on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- Additionally, there is a surge in flight durations around 15-17 o'clock on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The longer average duration of departure flights during these hours may negatively impact turnaround time, increase the load on airport infrastructure due to the need for more extend-ed refueling, food supply, and preparation for longer flights, and also create risks for flight delays.
In interpreting the results, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations of the study, such as potential biases in the sample, missing or incomplete data, and the use of a single airport as the data source. These limitations should be considered when generalizing the findings to other airports or flight contexts.
Additionally, suggestions for future research will be provided, including potential improvements to the study's methodology, the exploration of other factors that may influence flight durations, and the possibility of conducting similar studies at other airports or in different regions.
Presentation:
Conclusion
The conclusion will summarize the study's key findings and their implications for flight scheduling, airport operations, and passenger experiences. The study's limitations and suggestions for future research will also be briefly reiterated.
By following this research plan, the study aims to provide valuable insights into the relationship between flight departure times and flight durations at Riga International Airport. By analyzing this information, airport authorities can make more informed decisions about scheduling flights and allocate resources more effectively, ultimately reducing the risk of flight delays and improving overall efficiency.
First, airport authorities will be able to use this information to better allocate resources, such as ground crew and refueling personnel, during peak hours of longer flights. This will help minimize delays and ensure a smoother turnaround process for these flights.
Second, airlines will be able to use this data to re-evaluate their flight schedules, potentially redistributing long-haul flights more evenly throughout the day or week. This could help reduce the load on airport systems during peak hours, ultimately improving overall efficien-cy and reducing the risk of delays.
Third, both airports and airlines will be able to use these findings to enhance communica-tion and coordination, ensuring that adequate resources are available when needed and that long-haul flights are scheduled to minimize potential disruptions. Overall, the insights gained from this future study will help Riga International Airport (RIX) and other airports, along with airlines, to optimize their operations and schedules, ultimately providing a better travel experience for passengers and improving the efficiency of the aviation industry.