Planning an airport shuttle network with air taxis using choice-based optimization

Abstract Airports and airlines share a common interest in providing passengers with fast and convenient access to airports. With the introduction of air taxis as a new means of transport, the opportunity will soon emerge to introduce air taxi shuttle services to airports. In this context, for each individual airport the question arises where the facilities for landing, ground handling and take-off, also called vertiports, should be located in the area surrounding the airport. We formulate the problem as a hub location problem with multiple allocation, with the objective to maximize the number of passengers who choose to reach the airport by air taxi. In our model, we explicitly incorporate passengers’ choice behavior with respect to available means of transport using a multinomial logit model. We linearize the problem and provide guidance on the steps needed to use the model in practice. In an extensive case study, we apply the model to real data for Munich Airport, perform a stated preference study to parameterize the multinomial logit model, suggest locations for vertiports throughout Bavaria as a result, and investigate to what extent the introduction of air taxi shuttle flights can reduce travel times to Munich Airport.