Arrival Optimization with Point Merge in a Dual-runway Environment

We present an application of a mixed-integer programming framework, for an automated scheduling and deconfliction of the arriving and departing traffic within the terminal maneuvering area (TMA) of an airport implementing point merge (PM) procedures. We model realistic descent profiles and assume all the arrivals are performing the most fuel-efficient continuous descent operations. On example of a high-traffic hour at Oslo-Gardermoen airport, we demonstrate how our optimization framework can be adapted to a dual-runway environment with PM arrival procedures. We compare two scenarios: in the first, the aircraft are forced to strictly adhere to the PM systems, while in the second scenario, aircraft are allowed to use shortcuts within TMA. Evaluating the resulting arrival flight efficiency, we notice that the optimization does not significantly improve the performance in a fixed setting where aircraft are forced to adhere to the PM structure. Introducing some flexibility by allowing for direct routes from the intermediate waypoints, we can improve the overall performance, with the average fuel savings of 20% per flight, accompanied by the reduction of gaseous and particle emissions.