From Chaos to Coherent Structure (Pattern): The Mathematical Architecture of Invisible Time—The Critical Minute Theorem in Ground Handling Operations in an Aircraft Turnaround on the Ground of an Airport

Cornel Constantin Tuduriu, Dan Laurentiu Milici and Mihaela Paval ()
Additional contact information
Cornel Constantin Tuduriu: Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University Stefan cel Mare of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania
Dan Laurentiu Milici: Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University Stefan cel Mare of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania
Mihaela Paval: Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University Stefan cel Mare of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania

Logistics, 2025, vol. 9, issue 4, 1-24

Abstract: Background : In the dynamic world of commercial aviation, the efficient management of ground handling (GH) operations in aircraft turnarounds is an increasingly complex challenge, often perceived as operational chaos. Methods : This paper introduces the “Critical Minute Theorem” (CMT), a novel framework that integrates mathematical architecture principles into the optimization of GH processes. CMT identifies singular temporal thresholds, t k * at which small local disturbances generate nonlinear, system-wide disruptions. Results : By formulating the turnaround as a set of algebraic dependencies and nonlinear differential relations, the case studies demonstrate that delays are not random but structurally determined. The practical contribution of this study lies in showing that early recognition and intervention at these critical minutes significantly reduces propagated delays. Three case analyses are presented: (i) a fueling delay initially causing 9 min of disruption, reduced to 3.7 min after applying CMT-based reordering; (ii) baggage mismatch scenarios where CMT-guided list restructuring eliminates systemic deadlock; and (iii) PRM assistance delays mitigated by up to 12–15 min through anticipatory task reorganization. Conclusions : These results highlight that CMT enables predictive, non-technological control in turnaround operations, repositioning the human analyst as an architect of time capable of restoring structure where the system tends to collapse.

Keywords: mathematical architecture; Critical Minute Theorem; ground handling; aircraft turnaround (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L8 L80 L81 L86 L87 L9 L90 L91 L92 L93 L98 L99 M1 M10 M11 M16 M19 R4 R40 R41 R49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/9/4/139/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/9/4/139/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:4:p:139-:d:1763088

Access Statistics for this article

Logistics is currently edited by Ms. Mavis Li

More articles in Logistics from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().