Optimization method of aircraft grouping pushback in hub airport harbor apron areas

Abstract:

To address the inefficiencies of pushback operation and the inadequate utilization of stand resources under traditional pushback mode in airport harbor areas, a grouping-based aircraft pushback method considering wake turbulence is proposed. Considering the special apron layout of harbor areas, the pushback modes of aircraft, and the effects of wake turbulence, the process and pattern for grouping-based aircraft pushback operations are established. The concept of "ultimate pushback spacing" is defined, and quantitative constraints are formulated for the scope and severity of wake turbulence impacts under different scenarios. By integrating grouping strategies, pushback strategies, and towing strategies, an optimization model for grouping-based aircraft pushback in harbor apron areas is developed, aiming to minimize the total aircraft grouping and pushback times. Due to the complexity of the nonlinear programming model, a two-stage linear iterative algorithm is designed to solve it. Finally, a case study based on Tianjin Binhai International Airport is conducted. The harbor area is divided into different zones, and specific parameters in the model are calibrated. The optimization results indicate that compared to the traditional single pushback mode, the optimized grouped pushback strategy reduces the total pushback time of all aircrafts by 17.48% in the current year and by 33.56% in the planed year 2030. Furthermore, under two additional scenarios that flights are reduced by 50% and increased by 50% respectively, it is indicated that the optimization effect of grouped pushback method consistently improves with growing number of aircrafts. The findings provide decision-making support for enhancing flight pushback efficiency and apron capacity in the harbor areas of large hub airports.