A Two-Step Approach for Airborne Delay Minimization Using Pretactical Conflict Resolution in Free-Route Airspace

Abstract

This study proposes a two-step solution approach for aircraft conflict resolution and fuel consumption due to resolution maneuver occurring in free-route airspace. This model aims to provide a mathematical basis for a decision-support system that is used during the pretactical conflict resolution in air traffic management. Mathematical model of the first step presents alternative entry points on both sides of existing sector entry points to minimize delays by directing aircraft to the most convenient entry points. The second step suggests a vector deflection maneuver to minimize extra fuel consumption caused by conflict resolution. GAMS/CPLEX solver is used to solve the first step of the model but the solution is not produced in a reasonable time. To obtain feasible solutions, genetic algorithm and tabu search algorithms are implemented in the first step. Small size test problems are generated to evaluate the metaheuristic algorithms, and results are compared with GAMS/CPLEX solver solutions. According to this comparison, both metaheuristics algorithms produce near optimal solutions in a reasonably short time. The proposed approach has made significant improvements for airborne delays and extra fuel consumption caused by aircraft conflicts resolution in large-scaled airspaces.