1. Introduction

This project is my dissertation which got me a first-class. Markdown will only be explaining how to set up the files. You can find the full paper here.

1.1 Acknowledgments

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Stephen Hunt, for his invaluable time, guidance, and support throughout this journey. Having achieved a first-class grade, I am immensely proud to honor the commitment and dedication he has shown since teaching my very first class at university. I have had the great privilege of being his student and learning from his vast knowledge and expertise throughout my academic career. Thank you, Stephen, for your unwavering belief in my potential, and for playing a pivotal role in my academic success. Your mentorship has truly helped me become the scholar I am today.

1.2 Abstract

This report describes the development of an algorithm to optimize the transatlantic flight route from North America to Europe. The project aims to identify the factors that affect this travel corridor, including weather conditions, transatlantic wind maps, turbulence, and airplane statistics.

The project begins with an exploration phase that calculates the distance of the great circle route. Various trigonometric methodologies involving spherical and geodesic mathematics are introduced, and the most suitable methodology is selected. After calculating the flight path's distance, a simulation is conducted to optimize the flight path by adjusting the plane's course to take advantage of tailwinds and avoid headwinds, resulting in a faster arrival at the destination.

The final algorithm outputted a flight path that reduced flight time by 6.2 minutes compared to the regular great circle route. This optimization resulted in a profit of $3,170.34 for the airline company.

2. Getting Started

Before forking the files, please, make sure you have pyton3 and MATLAB installed. MATLAB is not free, therefore, you may need to get a license. If you own a license, please follow to MATLAB's website. The project does use additional MATLAB libraries, although if you would like to see the simulation in real-time, make sure you have MATLAB 2021b or above installed.

• MATLAB
• python3

How to install Python 3

Links:

• Python homepage
• Python docs

How to install:

• Debian/Ubuntu
  1. Install using apt-get.

     $ sudo apt-get update
     $ sudo apt-get install python3

• macOS
  1. Install Brew.
  2. Install Python using Brew.

     $ brew install python3

• Windows
  1. Download Python from the Windows Download page.
  2. Run the installer.
     • Be sure to check the box to have Python added to your PATH if the installer offers such an option (it's normally off by default).

For more details, see this gist - Set up a Python 3 virtual environment.

2.1 Setting up MATLAB

1. Download project files.
2. Run MATLAB.
3. On the left pane, go to the directory where the project files are located.
4. Launch all of the MATLAB project files on the editor by double clicking on each of them.
5. Make sure you are on Path_Optimisation_Gelbul.m file on the editor.
6. To see each section one by one, use the Run Section button, simply press CTRL + ENTER.
7. After running the first section, a panel should appear with the title Figure 1, where you will be able to see the changes.

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3. Contact

Erol Gelbul - Website

Project Link: Flight Path Optimisation

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