Research on Flight Schedule Optimization Based on Different Runway Operation Modes

Abstract

The update and iteration of the airport facilities completed in the runway operation system raise a request for more scientific control operation restrictions. In the old, optimized method of flight slot, no consideration was given to the runway operation strategy. As a result, the flight slot failed to meet the operation restriction and would incur unavoidable delays. This paper sets the research objective as the system composed of an apron, runway entrance and exit, and parallel runway. It focuses on matching the corresponding relationship between time and space of flights in the studied system. It establishes three flight slot optimization models to meet the requirements of isolated operation, semi-mixed operation, and mixed operation, respectively. On a practical level, the computer simulation software AirTOp is employed for simulation verification in the example of Wuhan Tianhe Airport. The results show that the delay in the isolation operation mode is reduced by about 59%, the semi-mixed operating mode reduces delays by about 48%, and mixed operating mode delays are reduced by approximately 52%. Therefore, it proves its feasibility of effective reduction in overall delay and its ability to provide decision support for the allocation of the flight time resource in parallel dual runway airports.

A Methodology for Allocating Incremental Resources in Single-Airport Time Slots

“…Currently, the primary tool employed for airport demand management is momentto-moment coordination, aimed at achieving an optimal equilibrium between demand and capacity. This coordination is carried out strategically, involving collaborative efforts between airports, control units, and air carriers [2][3][4]. As early as 1987, Odoni [5] systematically explained the significance of air traffic flow management and proposed a ground waiting strategy to mitigate air delays.…”