Air traffic flow optimisation incorporating wind models

The objective of this project is to develop an air traffic flow optimisation framework to achieve minimum overall fuel consumption in respect to on-time scheduling, modelled over an expansive volume of air space. Utilising tail winds allows pilots to achieve a higher ground speed, thereby reducing flight duration and overall fuel consumption. The objective of the optimisation model is to establish a balance between the demand for minimum fuel and that of on-time arrivals. To mirror a practical operating environment and enhance the accuracy of the final results, minimum safety separation standards, time dependent weather data, wind information, scheduled arrival times and aircraft performance limits are integrated into the overall optimisation model.