The air cargo load planning problem - a consolidated problem definition and literature review on related problems

This work describes the operational load planning problems of air cargo carriers. In the literature the term air cargo loading is used ambiguously for different subproblems that appear during the load planning process for a flight. In its entirety the problem has not yet been the subject of published research. This work introduces the overall problem, the planning decisions, the objectives of the involved stakeholders, and the restrictions occurring in practice. It reviews and categorizes related literature dealing with similar problems or subproblems. The typical problem setting in practice is analyzed to get insights into the real world problem and a large benchmark dataset is presented. Finally, challenges of the current planning practice and research gaps are highlighted. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.