Aircraft Sequencing and Scheduling in Parallel-Point Merge Systems for Multiple Parallel Runways

Abstract

The Point Merge System (PMS) is one of the approaches that offer systematic sequencing in terminal maneuver area (TMA) which was developed at the EUROCONTROL Experimental Centre in 2006. The Parallel-Point Merge System (P-PMS) is used in TMAs with high air traffic density as a combination of two PMSs with opposite directions. However, it is difficult to optimize arrival sequences in such a system because of the additional separation requirements at common points as well as at merge points. Additionally, it is important to operate at maximum efficiency with parallel runway systems when using the runway reassignment process. Reassigning arriving/departing aircraft to a different runway, however, can significantly affect delays and fuel consumption depending on the difference in taxi-in/out times. This effect is overlooked in most aircraft sequencing and scheduling optimization studies with PMS. This study proposes single and multi-objective programming models for a TMA with P-PMS to minimize total fuel consumption, total flight time, and total delay including taxi-in/out times. The models were implemented on the current layout of Istanbul Airport having two PMS with two merge points, three common points, and five parallel runways. The considered traffic scenarios included both dependent and independent runway operations for mixed arrival–departure sequences. The results revealed that arrival–departure sequencing considering taxi-in/out times resulted in shorter delays up to 77.5% and low level of fuel consumption up to 8.7%.