A Framework of Point Merge-based Autonomous System for Optimizing Aircraft Scheduling in Busy TMA

International audienceIn this article we present recent work towards the development of an autonomous system with point merge (PM) that performs sequencing, merging and spacing for arrival aircraft in the busy terminal area. This autonomous arrival management system aims to safely solve the major arrival flight scheduling problems currently handled by human controllers. With PM, it has the potential to handle higher traffic demands without more workload on controllers, consequently increasing capacity and reducing delay. The main objective of this paper is to introduce the framework of this autonomous system with PM. Based on analysis of classic PM route structure, a novel PM-based route network is firstly designed for Beijing Capital International Airport. Vertically, this PM system consists of multi-layers on the sequencing legs for different categories of aircraft with Heavy and Medium, horizontally, it is shaped as a lazy “8”. Then, a multiple-objectives function is discussed for this aircraft scheduling problem, operational constraints and conflict detection and resolution are analysed in detail, a modelling strategy with sliding time window and simulated annealing algorithm is proposed for solving this real-time dynamic problem. Experimental results verify our algorithm is well adapting the high-density traffic optimisation, and finally a conclusion is made and future work is pointed ou