A Methodology for 4D Trajectory Optimization of Arrival Aircraft in Trajectory Based Operation

Trajectory based operation (TBO) is a future operational concept for the air traffic management. This paper focuses on the trajectory optimization for the arrival phase in the TBO environment. The trajectory management process for future operation of arrival phase is described firstly. Then, an optimization schedule model is proposed to assign conflict-free controlled times of arrival (CTAs) at the key waypoints for aircraft. The average arrival delay, flight distance in terminal and balance of runway traffic flow are considered in the proposed model. The speed profile adjustment algorithm based on the assigned CTA is also presented. Finally, the simulation results at Beijing capital international airport is shown to valid the effectiveness of the developed trajectory optimization method.