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

This paper introduces the interval management algorithm for continuous descent operation (IMA-CDO) designed for commercial aircraft, aimed at minimizing fuel consumption, alleviating air traffic controller (ATCo) workload, and localized delay propagation to subsequent aircraft. While traditional CDOs rely solely on maintaining engine thrust at idle for fuel efficiency, they struggle with precise flight time control and maintaining safe intervals between nearby aircraft. To address these shortcomings, we propose IMA-CDO, which integrates altitude and speed control for improved efficiency and safety. IMA-CDO reduces ATCo workload and also manages aircraft congestion, which increases as air traffic demands rise. By employing block sparsification in the optimization process, we decrease the ATCo workload and reduce the number of air traffic control (ATC) instructions. Additionally, we incorporate localized delay propagation to prevent congestion between the following aircraft groups. Simulations conducted on arriving aircraft at Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Japan, where traditional CDO is partially employed, validate the effectiveness of IMA-CDO.