Analysing the benefits of trajectory deviations for planar trajectory optimisation

Abstract

Aircraft traverse airspace sectors under the supervision of Air Traffic Controllers by following navigation points. The trajectories can deviate from these points under the supervision of controllers. However, the controllers have to consider various factors for managing air traffic which increases their workload. We aim to offline analyse the potential benefits of trajectory deviations, by tactically shifting navigation points for planar trajectory optimisation of multiple aircraft at an enroute sector level. Historic deviations of trajectories are considered for this analysis to implement them at practical level. Within nominal speed and turning rate of aircraft trajectories, 5.47% reduction in time cost and an annual fuel saving worth US$ 29.32 million has been estimated using shifts for an airspace sector.