| Resumo : |
Advancing Air Traffic Management with the implementation of novel airspace structures, systems and procedures is crucial to enhancing the economic and environmental performance of aviation. This requires detailed operational evaluations of different airspace design and management solutions through advanced data analysis. This work analyzes the terminal airspace operations for the major Brazilian airports using large-scale historical aircraft tracking data and aeronautical information data. A trajectory classification method is first developed to identify the actual use of standard operational procedures by arrival traffic. Several performance indicators are then proposed to evaluate the actual utilization of the terminal airspace structure and to quantify trajectory efficiency and conformance. The results reveal an uneven distribution of traffic across arrival procedures for most airports and a high variability in performance across airports and their procedures. Overall, we observe that the most frequently used procedures are generally associated with higher levels of trajectory conformance, while busier airports show less adherent trajectories. Specific indicators are created to analyze the novel Point Merge airspace design at Sao Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport. The results show a significant but unbalanced utilization of the Point Merge sequencing legs for delay absorption during tactical operations. The findings also highlight air traffic control preferences and opportunities for further improvements in delay management. |