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Article
Publication date: 3 May 2016

Luigi Maritano, Salvatore Amoroso and Francesco Castelluccio

The purpose of the study is to modify the plan of a network of heliport for HEMS, civil protection and transport proposed by the regional government through the combined use of…

177

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to modify the plan of a network of heliport for HEMS, civil protection and transport proposed by the regional government through the combined use of linear programming and GIS techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used for the evaluation is based on the application of a set covering model.

Findings

An optimal solution was obtained that allows savings in relation to the plan proposed by the regional government by ensuring the best coverage of the whole territory.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited by the field of application and the weaknesses of the linear programming techniques. However, it could be the first step for further works that will include more accurate models.

Practical implications

The study suggests the reorganization of the network of heliports; this would be a fundamental step to improve the services supplied by the helicopters, such as HEMS, civil protection, SAR, aerial work, firefighting and transport, especially in a region characterized by a poor accessibility.

Originality/value

This is the first study on the application of the combined use of open-source GIS software and OR methods for planning a heliport network.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, vol. 88 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 4 July 2016

Francesco Castelluccio, Luigi Maritano, Salvatore Amoroso and Marco Migliore

This study aims to develop a methodology to compare the feasibility of helicopter and seaplane regular transport of passengers towards destinations across a remote regional…

436

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop a methodology to compare the feasibility of helicopter and seaplane regular transport of passengers towards destinations across a remote regional tourist context, where a lack of road and rail infrastructure make these alternative forms of air transport competitive.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a modal split model identifying the quota of passengers that potentially could utilize these two types of services, determined on the basis of previous studies on air transport demand. A technical analysis regarding transport supply is performed to identify the predominant features that should characterize helicopter/seaplane performances. An optimization model is applied to identify the routes that could overcome the breakeven point considering each of the two means of transport. The paper also takes into account the importance of each type of service and its influence on flight infrastructure costs.

Findings

Helicopter and seaplane services could improve the access for tourists with high values of time. The helicopter transport could capture a market share ranging from 5 to 20 per cent of tourist travel demand (the amphibian seaplane from 1 to 14 per cent). The shuttle services could be profitable especially for those regional origin–destination pairs involving the two major airports and the most UNESCO visited locations such as Agrigento and the Aeolian Archipelago (into the analyzed context of Sicily). The comparison between the two modes of transport shows that the helicopter has best performances and the seaplane has to land/take-off from sea.

Research limitations/implications

The lack of data on the performances of the whole world production of seaplanes and helicopters (such as Russian, Chinese or US old machines) could give a distortion of the result. On the other hand, all mostly used machines in the world at the moment are considered. A survey on the fear of flight and on the choice between the two different forms of air transport could give a more precise result.

Practical implications

From an economic point of view, an operator could choose with more confidence the means of transport to use under different conditions. The activation of passenger services with seaplanes and helicopters can give an impulse to the growth of little operators and to the tourism. So, this study could be a starting point for authorities to plan a regional network of little general aviation airfields and seadromes (located in the great lakes or near the ports) near the major tourist locations. It could make possible to develop a synergic regional commuting traffic involving the seaplane and the helicopter.

Social implications

Seaplanes and helicopters represent the most important means of transport when poor accessibility conditions and need of ready and fast connections coexist, for example, the commuting between airports and remote regions or downtowns with high tourist or business impact. The activation of passenger services with seaplanes and helicopters can give an impulse to the growth of little operators and to the tourism, consequently to the regional accessibility and economy.

Originality/value

There is a lack of studies involving the comparison between seaplanes and helicopters. This study could represent an important means to analyze the parameters that influence the possibility of activation for this kind of services and to find the factors that influence the feasibility of business with the two different machines. The encouraging performances of the flying boat suggest a future development of an innovative model of medium- and/or high-capacity amphibian seaplane dedicated to passenger transport. It should have take-off/landing performances less dependent on the sea state.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, vol. 88 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 2 March 2015

Salvatore Amoroso, Francesco Castelluccio and Luigi Maritano

The purpose of the study is the evaluation of the efficiencies of a group of small Italian airports and the comparison with a set of transport heliports to show the difference in…

321

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is the evaluation of the efficiencies of a group of small Italian airports and the comparison with a set of transport heliports to show the difference in the productivity of the two types of infrastructures.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used for the evaluation is the data envelopment analysis (DEA).

Findings

The better performance of the heliports compared to the small inefficient airports.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited by the field of application and the weaknesses of the DEA methodology. However, it could be the first step for further works that will include more accurate models.

Practical implications

The study suggests the conversion of the small inefficient airports into heliports feeding traffic towards the major hubs. The use of helicopters to reach poor accessible areas represents an alternative mode of transport.

Originality/value

This is the first case of application of the DEA methodology to a group of heliports.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, vol. 87 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 2 March 2015

Francesco Castelluccio, Luigi Maritano, Salvatore Amoroso and Marco Migliore

– This paper aims to identify the parameters that influence the cost competitiveness of helicopter services for scheduled passenger transport on a regional area.

413

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the parameters that influence the cost competitiveness of helicopter services for scheduled passenger transport on a regional area.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used is based on an analysis of demand and on a bi-level model (modal split model – service supply optimization model) optimization. Performance optimization in the supply of helicopter transport services is obtained by a sensitivity analysis on the recognized cost factors.

Findings

The identification of the variation margins in the cost factors that might make an helicopter competitive for scheduled passenger services.

Research limitations/implications

The inability to consider the totality of the helicopters today on the market due to lack of available data on their cost structure.

Practical implications

It is represented by the opportunity of the spread of the helicopter through the strengthening of the competitive position in relation to other transport modes for passenger transport services.

Social implications

It is represented by the ability to provide air transport services less expensive on the routes that connect the mainland with small islands, especially during the months when the sea conditions do not allow the naval connection causing the insulation phenomenon.

Originality/value

Today, there is a lack of papers dealing with the issue of the performance of the helicopters from the point of view of the transport planner, considering what should be the characteristics of the aircraft to ensure performance to consistent designed services.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, vol. 87 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

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