Let's talk about airlines and logistics. What determines flight destinations, schedules, and which plane should be used? Airlines use math modeling to create efficient schedules, reduce costs, and, of course, keep passengers happy!

But speaking of happy (or unhappy) passengers, have you ever experienced airport delays or cancellations? If so, you understand firsthand the stress caused by unplanned flight changes. Mathematical models are an essential tool for airlines so they can avoid scheduling disasters. With COMAP’s Modeling Airline Scheduling module, created by Marsha Davis, your students can tackle these and other real-world airline scheduling problems.

What’s Inside the Airline Scheduling Module?

This math modeling module teaches students how airlines plan their routes and schedules through mathematical concepts. The first mathematical modeling concept you'll learn about in this module is networks, which model how places connect to each other. The module includes  activities that let students participate by:

• Designing airline routes from scratch, balancing costs and passenger satisfaction
• Comparing different airline models to see which is more efficient
• Using Dijkstra’s algorithm to find the fastest way to get from one airport to another
• Optimizing flight schedules to minimize delays and reduce the number of planes needed

As students work through these activities, they will see how math modeling creates efficiency in real-world systems like airlines, subways, and delivery networks.

Why Try Math Modeling?

Well, math modeling isn’t just about solving equations. It’s about using math to tackle real-world problems. The same math models used in airline scheduling also apply to other areas, like traffic control, logistics, and even space travel!

If your students are interested in math, problem-solving, or how big systems work, this module is a great way to challenge them while helping them build practical skills. Plus, it’s a perfect stepping stone for students thinking about careers that rely on math modeling in fields like engineering, business, or data science.

Get the Math Modeling Module!

The COMAP Modeling Airline Scheduling module is accessible at no cost to both students and educators with a free COMAP membership. Once you are logged in, download this module here to experiment with airline scheduling math modeling!

More Information on Math Modeling

For more resources on math modeling, check out these links:

• A Student Guide for Getting Started with Math Modeling
• How Math Modeling Challenges You to Think Like a Problem Solver
• 8 Math Modeling Examples That Demonstrate the Importance of Modeling in the Real World
• Why Math Is the Secret Ingredient in Modern Technology