Trading-off Multi-Dimensional NAS Performance and Equity Metrics Using Data Envelopment Analysis

The saturation of resources ational Airspace System (e.g. runways, fossil fuels, and water and air quality) obliges regulatory authorities to trade off performance and equity parameters to maximize the efficiency of the system as a whole. Researchers have conducted analysis of trade-offs using utility theory. The value of utility theory trade-offs is subject to: (i) the validity of the parameter weights used that must be derived by eliciting preferences of stakeholders, (ii) comparison of parameters measured in different units, as well as the relationships between the resources. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) overcomes these limitations and provides an assessment of the overall efficiency of the enterprises and enables management tradeoffs in use of resources in transparent and quantitative manner. This paper describes the results of a trade-off of AS performance and equity metrics for alternate Ground Delay Program (GDP) rationing rules. DEA analysis successfully (i) identified the composite magnitude of the difference in performance between the alternate rationing rules examined by computing the optimal parameter weightings for each rationing rule; and (ii) gave clear indication about where particular strengths lie for each of the rules as well as guidance on in which areas, and by how much, deficiencies exist through the use of a normalized efficiency score. The implications of these results are discussed. KeywordsData Envelopment Analysis; Equity; Rationing rules