Fuzzy multiattribute evaluation of airport performance

This paper presents a fuzzy multiattribute decision making (MADM) approach to evaluating airport performance in terms of the airport operator, the passenger, and the airline dimensions. Assessments for quantitative measures are represented by crisp values, and assessments for qualitative measures and attribute weights are represented by triangular fuzzy numbers, obtained via surveys using linguistic terms. An effective algorithm is developed by using the α-cut concept for incorporating the decision-maker´s confidence level about respondents´ fuzzy assessments on performance ratings and attribute weights. Based on the concept of the degree of optimality, the algorithm obtains a quantitative performance index for each airport evaluated, relative to other comparable airports with respect to each of three evaluation dimensions individually and all three evaluation dimensions as a whole. The performance index obtained would help individual airports understand the comparative level of their performance on measures relating to operational management, airport facilities, and passenger service quality. An empirical study of performance evaluation of 11 Asia-Pacific major international airports is conducted to illustrate how the approach works.