Biography

Mike Zoutendijk is a PhD candidate at the Air Transport and Operations Section, Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology. He is a participant of the Airport Technology Lab (ATL) project. His research interests include data-driven or machine learning-based technology, and optimization of airport operations and planning. He holds an MSc degree in Applied Mathematics, specialized in Computational Science and Engineering, from Delft University of Technology. 

Selected papers

Title: Probabilistic Flight Delay Predictions Using Machine Learning and Applications to the Flight-to-Gate Assignment Problem. Zoutendijk, M.; Mitici, M., Aerospace 2021, 8, 152.   
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace8060152  
Description: In this study, two probabilistic forecasting algorithms, Mixture Density Networks and Random Forest regression, are applied to predict flight delays at a European airport. To illustrate the utility of the estimated delay distributions, we integrate these probabilistic predictions into a probabilistic flight-to-gate assignment problem. The objective of this problem is to increase the robustness of flight-to-gate assignments. In general, the results illustrate the utility of considering probabilistic forecasting for robust airport operations’ optimization. 

Title: An investigation of operational management solutions and challenges for electric taxiing of aircraft.  Zoutendijk, M.; Mitici, M.; Hoekstra, J.M., Research in Transportation Business & Management 2023, 49, 101019.   
DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rtbm.2023.101019  
Description: The aim of this work is to summarize the main research directions needed to support large-scale electric towing implementation in the next few decades. To this end, the operational management challenges associated with the implementation of electric taxiing at airports are identified and discussed. First, electric taxiing systems currently under development are briefly characterised. Then, current towing procedures and specifications of towing vehicles are outlined and compared. The management needs for electric towing implementation are thoroughly discussed from the perspectives of vehicle routing models, assignment models and battery charging optimisation models. For each, challenges are identified and some solutions proposed. 

Projects

Airport Technology Lab (ATL) The ATL is a development and testing ground for innovative products and services for airports. The goal is to provide airport data and knowledge to companies and institutions who then create and test innovative products and services that are of use for the aviation industry. 

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