Designing a Framework of Integrated Aircraft Departure and Surface Traffic Operation via Queuing Network Models

This study proposes model-based frameworks to design air traffic management systems, which enable us to control time-varying traffic inflow and outflow rates while balancing their capacities and demands. Furthermore, the proposed frameworks allow us to implement operational rules and constraints into the system design. In this paper, time-varying queuing network models are developed to provide a framework for integrated departure and surface air traffic management at airports. Applying the proposed models, we demonstrate aircraft Departure Metering at a case study airport to reduce both airport surface congestion and departure queue at a runway threshold while utilizing maximum runway throughput. Finally, this paper discusses future extensions of the proposed model-based frameworks including their various applications for supporting collaborative decision-making and operations among stakeholders in air traffic management.