Criteria selection and multi-objective optimization of aircraft landing problem

• Published in: Journal of air transport management Vol. 82; p. 101734
• Main Authors: Zhang, Junfeng, Zhao, Pengli, Zhang, Yu, Dai, Ximei, Sui, Dong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2020
• Subjects: Arrival sequencing and scheduling; Imperialist competitive algorithm; Multiple objective; Simultaneous optimization; Single machine scheduling; Simultaneous optimization; Arrival sequencing and scheduling; Imperialist competitive algorithm; Multiple objective; Single machine scheduling
• ISSN: 0969-6997; 1873-2089
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jairtraman.2019.101734

Inspired by the similarities of the aircraft landing problem (ALP) and the single machine scheduling problem, we propose a criteria selection method that has been used successfully in the single machine scheduling problem to determine appropriate objective functions of ALP. First, for four different types of criteria—min-max, min-sum, completion time related, and due-dates related criteria—their corresponding physical meanings in ALP are elaborated. Then, a criteria selection method is proposed to determine several appropriate criteria, which are taken as the multi-objective while modeling ALP. Different solution algorithms, including Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA), are adopted to solve the multi-objective ALP. Finally, the performance of the proposed model and method are evaluated using a set of benchmark instances. The computational results demonstrate the efficiency of our approach for solving ALP, which can simultaneously improve punctual performance, enhance runway utilization, reduce air traffic controller workload, and maintain equity among airlines. •This study came up with theoretical analysis to help to determine several appropriate objectives for multi-objective ALP.•This study put forward an ICA-based multi-objective optimization method by implementing simultaneous strategy.•This study carried out the experiments to demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed model and method.•This study demonstrated the positive correlation between arrival flight tightness and computation time for optimizing ALP.