An operational-level MRO scheduling optimization for aircraft Type C and D checks using iterative local search

Purpose This study develops an optimization model for operational-level aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) scheduling that integrates remanufacturing as a sustainable maintenance option. Design/methodology/approach A mathematical programming model is formulated to optimize MRO scheduling by considering repair, replacement and remanufacturing options for aircraft components. To address the NP-hard nature of the problem, this study introduces an iterative local search (ILS) heuristic as the primary solution methodology, enabling efficient resolution of large-scale scheduling problems while consistently delivering optimal or near-optimal results. Computational experiments on both small-scale and large-scale instances validate the effectiveness of the proposed ILS-based framework. Findings The results demonstrate that the ILS heuristic significantly reduces computational time while consistently achieving optimal or near-optimal solutions for complex MRO scheduling problems. The integration of remanufacturing options leads to cost savings and improved resource utilization, making the scheduling process more sustainable and efficient. Originality/value This study is one of the few to integrate remanufacturing into operational-level MRO scheduling while also developing an efficient heuristic approach to handle large-scale scheduling problems. The proposed ILS-based solution method offers a practical alternative to exact optimization techniques, making it applicable to real-world MRO environments.