Microscopic-Level Collaborative Optimization Framework for Integrated Arrival-Departure and Surface Operations: Integrated Runway and Taxiway Aircraft Sequencing and Scheduling

Integrated arrival–departure and surface scheduling (IADS) is a critical research task in next-generation air traffic management that aims to harmonize the complex and interrelated processes of airspace and airport operations in the Metroplex. This paper investigates the microscopic-level collaborative optimization framework for IADS operations, i.e., the problem of coordinating aircraft scheduling on runways and taxiways. It also describes the mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) bi-layer decision support for solving this problem. In runway scheduling, a combined arrival–departure scheduling method is introduced based on our previous research, which can identify the optimal sequence of arrival and departure streams to minimize runway delays. For taxiway scheduling, the Multi-Route Airport Surface Scheduling Method (MASM) is proposed, aiming to determine the routes and taxi metering for each aircraft while minimizing the gap compared with the runway scheduling solution. Furthermore, this paper develops a feedback mechanism to further close the runway and taxiway schedule deviation. To demonstrate the universality and validity of the proposed bi-layer decision support method, two hub airports, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (ICAO code: ZUUU) and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (ICAO code: ZUTF), within the Cheng-Yu Metroplex, were selected for validation. The obtained results show that the proposed method could achieve closed-loop decision making for runway scheduling and taxiway scheduling and reduce runway delay and taxi time. The key anticipated mechanisms of benefits from this research include improving the efficiency and predictability of operations on the airport surface and maintaining situational awareness and coordination between the stand and the tower.