How Methods and Data Impact Taxiing Efficiency Metrics: A Case Study of Selected U.S. and European Airports

Taxi-out delays currently represent 10 to 30 percent of excess fuel burn in the US and Europe. Through virtual queues necessary delay can be moved from taxiways back to the gate thereby saving fuel and reducing emissions. Methods for calculating taxi delays vary between the US and Europe and further depend on the availability of data. In this study, historical operational data from three pairs of European and U.S. airports with similar complexity layout and monthly traffic are used to determine airport performance indicators, such as unimpeded taxi-out time and taxiing efficiency time following the current Eurocontrol Performance Review Unit and FAA Aviation Policy and Planning Office calculation methods. The results from the sample airports are compared in detail focusing both on the differences in airport performance as well as the sensitivity of results to varying methods. The analyses create a template for establishing benefit pools for virtual taxi queues at airports where airport surface data is not yet available.