Network-wide assessment of ATM mechanisms using an agent-based model

This paper presents results from the SESAR ER3 Domino project. Three mechanisms are assessed at the ECAC-wide level: 4D trajectory adjustments (a combination of actively waiting for connecting passengers and dynamic cost indexing), flight prioritisation (enabling ATFM slot swapping at arrival regulations), and flight arrival coordination (where flights are sequenced in extended arrival managers based on an advanced cost-driven optimisation). Classical and new metrics, designed to capture network effects, are used to analyse the results of a micro-level agent-based model. A scenario with congestion at three hubs is used to assess the 4D trajectory adjustment and the flight prioritisation mechanisms. Two different scopes for the extended arrival manager are modelled to analyse the impact of the flight arrival coordination mechanism. Results show that the 4D trajectory adjustments mechanism succeeds in reducing costs and delays for connecting passengers. A trade-off between the interests of the airlines in reducing costs and those of non-connecting passengers emerges, although passengers benefit overall from the mechanism. Flight prioritisation is found to have no significant effects at the network level, as it is applied to a small number of flights. Advanced flight arrival coordination, as implemented, increases delays and costs in the system. The arrival manager optimises the arrival sequence of all flights within its scope but does not consider flight uncertainties, thus leading to sub-optimal actions.Comment: 20 pages, 6 figures, Journal of Air Transport Managemen

Domino D1.2 - Final Project Results Report

This deliverable summarises the Domino project in terms of objectives, work performed, results obtained, and links with the SESAR programme. It recalls the initial objectives of the project, the study of a methodology to capture architectural changes and their systemic effects. The project defined new metrics able to measure these effects, developed a platform (Mercury) able to simulate changes of architecture and complex network effects, and devised a methodology to systemically study architectural changes, applying it to three examples of mechanisms. This deliverable reports the main findings of the project and shows examples of results obtained with the model. This deliverable explains the links of the project with the rest of the SESAR programme, its maturity and proposes some lines of research for the future