Integrated Optimisation for Descent Trajectory Operations and Airport Runway Assignment

Abstract

Continuous descent approach (CDA) aims at reducing fuel consumption and noise compared to other conventional descents. Instead of approaching an airport in a stair-step fashion, CDA allows for a smooth descent to landing. The descent profile depends on initial and final positions of aircraft, which depend on the followed route during the flight and the assigned landing runway, which in turn depends on airport congestion and/or availability. This work develops an optimization model for the management of approach and landing operations in airports, deciding on runway assignment and approach trajectory. The proposed scheme leads to a mixed integer non-linear model which is difficult to be solved. A Benders decomposition is proposed for that purpose. On the one hand, the master model deals with runway assignment, making use of a set of binary variables. On the other hand, the sub-model deals with the trajectory calculation problem, minimizing fuel consumption and complying with noise constraints.