DREAM: Holistic simulation of dynamic maintenance operations in aviation

Kurzfassung

Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operations are characterized by intricate interdependencies, stringent resource constraints, and the unique operational state of each component—challenges that traditional, rigid process‑planning approaches cannot adequately address. This paper demonstrates the practical applicability of the Dynamic Resource Evaluation and Assembly Model for MRO (DREAM) by systematically defining MRO-specific simulation inputs encompassing component characteristics, hangar resources, and process steps. Functional verification is conducted through two complementary use cases—aircraft inspection and complete repair—optimized for both duration and cost. The results confirm that DREAM correctly interprets complex input schemas and generates logically consistent, optimal process outcomes. By accounting for individualized part states and shared resource constraints, DREAM enables dynamic, data-driven process planning that captures the conditional logic and workflow branching inherent to aviation MRO. Initial scalability challenges are identified and discussed, paving the way for future algorithmic enhancements to further improve computational tractability for large-scale industrial deployment.