Airline Ticket Pricing with Density-Based Demand Clustering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional airline ticket pricing systems lack agility and adaptability to real-time demand patterns, leading to suboptimal revenue and customer experience due to static pricing models, abrupt fare class transitions, and the absence of advanced machine learning capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A machine learning-driven system employing density-based clustering and classification models to dynamically optimize ticket prices based on real-time demand, incorporating features like load factor and market deviations, with transparent pricing insights through ML explainability and MLOps for efficient deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If static pricing models with predetermined pricing strategies are used, then system simplicity and ease of operation are maintained, but adaptability to real-time demand patterns and revenue optimization capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepricing system operationVSAvoidadaptability to demand patterns
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic pricing by transitioning from static predetermined pricing to real-time demand-based pricing. The system continuously adjusts ticket prices based on current demand signals, load factors, and market conditions, making the pricing mechanism flexible and adaptive while maintaining operational simplicity through automated algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring real-time demand patterns, booking trends, and market conditions, then using this information to adjust pricing strategies. The system learns from historical data and current market responses to continuously optimize pricing decisions, creating a closed-loop adaptive pricing system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If fixed pricing tiers or fare classes are employed, then system complexity is reduced, but responsiveness to demand changes and revenue maximization capability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepricing system complexityVSAvoidrevenue optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pricing parameter from fixed fare classes to dynamic price points based on demand elasticity and market conditions. Instead of assigning seats to predetermined fare buckets, the system continuously adjusts prices within ranges based on real-time signals, allowing finer-grained optimization while maintaining manageable complexity through parameterized pricing models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces static fare class structures with dynamic pricing that responds to real-time demand signals. Prices are adjusted continuously based on load factors, booking patterns, and market conditions, enabling the system to capture maximum revenue from different customer segments without the rigidity of fixed fare tiers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If conventional systems without machine learning capabilities are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but ability to analyze complex data sets and adapt to changing market dynamics deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem architectureVSAvoidadaptability to market dynamics
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional rule-based pricing mechanisms with machine learning-driven predictive models. Instead of relying on manual pricing rules and historical patterns, the system uses trained ML models to automatically analyze complex data sets, predict demand trends, and generate optimal pricing recommendations, substituting mechanical rule-based systems with intelligent adaptive systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service pricing optimization through machine learning models that automatically learn from data and make pricing decisions without continuous human intervention. The system autonomously analyzes market conditions, adapts to changing patterns, and generates pricing strategies, enabling the pricing function to serve itself through continuous learning and adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If abrupt fare class transitions are implemented, then revenue optimization from high-demand segments is improved, but customer experience and potential revenue from mid-range budgets deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverevenue from high-demand segmentsVSAvoidcustomer experience impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the concept of smooth transitions by replacing abrupt fare class jumps with gradual price adjustments. Instead of sudden transitions between discrete fare buckets, the system implements continuous or near-continuous price changes that smoothly reflect demand variations, creating a more customer-friendly pricing experience while maintaining revenue optimization capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS20250285132A1System and method for demand-based optimization of airline ticket pricing
Publication Date: 2025.09.11 IBS SOFTWARE FZ LLC
  • US20250285132A1 patent drawing
  • US20250285132A1 patent drawing
  • US20250285132A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present subject matter relates to a system (100) and a method (400) for demand-based optimization of airline ticket pricing. The disclosed system (100) includes is a user interface (101) that facilitates the input of flight information, subsequently processed by an integrated memory (203) and processor (201). The machine learning-driven price optimization module (204) involves fetching price range and contextual information, extracting features, and further utilizing a classification model (205) for identifying demand cluster probabilities, and calculating a demand score. The system (100) further refines this demand score to account for market fluctuations. Notably, it employs advanced techniques like density-based clustering for demand segmentation and ML explainability through the Airline Experience Quotient (AEQ). This ensures transparency and enhances the user experience. Additionally, the system's capability extends to efficient model deployment, leveraging MLOps, and presenting the optimal ticket price to users for informed decision-making.