Airlines are complex systems, characterized by interdependencies between different elements (e.g., fleet, cockpit and cabin crew, passengers, ground force) and presence of conflicting goals (e.g., revenue generation, cost reduction, operations resilience, safe operations, environmental impact reduction). To understand and improve strategic and operational decisions of an airline, these interdependencies and conflicts need to be (closely) studied/examined.

This PhD project will focus on the development of an efficient modelling framework that is capable of simulating airline decisions regarding fleet planning, network and scheduling development, and aircraft maintenance planning. The framework should be able to capture the way new aircraft technologies, aviation policies or industry procedures could impact the airline operations in the short- and long-term. The work will involve the development of an innovative agent-based model to achieve this goal.
The work will be conducted as part of a large European project. Thus, the work will be fueled with real applications and a commercial decision-support tool is expected from this PhD project.
The position is intended as a full-time appointment, and the work will take place at the TU Delft. The researcher will have to work with several European partners and support project administration

Applicants should have advanced analytical and modelling skills. Additional experience with operations optimisation and data management would be advantageous. Applicants should preferably also have knowledge of airlines or maintenance operations.
Very good spoken and written English is mandatory.  

Fixed-term contract: 4 jaar.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 250 PhD candidates and over 2,700 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.