Modeling Airport Networks using a System-of-Systems Approach

Abstract

Local airport operations depend on the air tra?c network performance, since delays are propagated over the day of operations. We provide a formal System-of-Systems model to analyze this interdependent tra?c network to enhance local operations by means of collaborative decision making. Airport operations are assumed to have bene?ts by col- laborative e?orts, even while following local objectives. Our System-of-Systems modeling research shows a structured way to model, build and analyze global air tra?c systems with focus on joint airport coordination. Collaboration between airports is expected to result in higher (local, individual) operational e?ciency, due to sharing of information for local decision making and capabilities to react on events outside of an airports responsibility. Modeling System-of- Systems is challenging as constituting airport-sub-systems are heterogeneous, complex to model in a formal way and follow their own, competing operational objectives. Optimization of processes is traditionally done within the speci?c sub-systems. Combining new System-of-Systems modeling with collaborative decision making methods, opens up new potential in airport performance (e.g. capacity, punctuality) and leads to implementation of innovative techniques for airport decision systems.