Interval management algorithm for continuous descent operation: reducing controller workload and mitigating delay propagation

• Altitude and speed control logics are integrated into the traditional Continuous Descent Operation (CDO), which is fuel-optimal, to flexibly manage arrival time intervals. • Block sparsification is applied to the control logics to reduce the number of instructions given by air traffic controllers to pilots, aiming to reduce their workload. • Adaptive control logics are designed to mitigate delay propagation to following aircraft, tailored to varying traffic densities. This paper introduces the Interval Management Algorithm for Continuous Descent Operation (IMA-CDO), designed for commercial aircraft. The algorithm aims to minimize fuel consumption, alleviate air traffic controller workload, and mitigate delay propagation to subsequent aircraft. To this end, in IMA-CDO, altitude and speed control logics are integrated into the traditional CDO, enabling fuel-efficient operation. Additionally, block sparsification employed in the control logics reduces controller instructions while minimizing time intervals prevents congestion by mitigating delay propagation. Simulations conducted on arriving aircraft at Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Japan, where traditional CDO is partially employed, validate the reduced controller workload achieved by IMA-CDO. They also highlight the clear trade-off between reducing fuel consumption and mitigating delay propagation.