Feasibility Analysis of Time-Based Metering Using Cruise-Speed Control and Flight-Level Change for Domestic Flights in Japan

• Published in: TRANSACTIONS OF THE JAPAN SOCIETY FOR AERONAUTICAL AND SPACE SCIENCES Vol. 65; no. 4; pp. 139 - 146
• Main Authors: ANDREEVA-MORI, Adriana, MATSUNO, Yoshinori
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tokyo THE JAPAN SOCIETY FOR AERONAUTICAL AND SPACE SCIENCES 01.01.2022; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Air Traffic Control; Air Traffic Flow Management; Airports; Feasibility studies; Flyovers; Fuel consumption; Fuel Savings; Radar tracking; Speed Control; Time-Based Metering; Japan
• ISSN: 0549-3811; 2189-4205
• DOI: 10.2322/tjsass.65.139

This paper analyzes the feasibility of time-based metering operations for domestic flights in Japan, which have shorter flight times than international flights. For metering air traffic, aircraft are required to adjust their fly-over times at specified fixes. Speed control is typically used to adjust the fly-over time without stretching the lateral path. This study applies flight-level change in addition to speed control to increase the achievable airborne delay. The achievable airborne delay using speed control and flight-level change is evaluated statistically based on past actual radar tracking data. Through illustrative numerical simulations for the domestic flights to Tokyo International Airport, the achievable delays can be more than doubled and higher compliance rates are expected when changing the flight level in addition to speed control. Moreover, the potential benefit of saving fuel using speed control is evaluated, and a fuel savings of 2–4% is expected on average. Based on the analysis in this study, the maximum potential achievable delays and feasibility of time-based metering for domestic flights in Japan can be evaluated.