Multi-Aircraft Scheduling Optimization in Urban Environments

TL;DR

This paper develops a multi-layer risk assessment and scheduling optimization framework for urban air mobility, enhancing safety and efficiency of eVTOL aircraft operations in complex urban environments.

Contribution

It introduces a novel multi-layer risk assessment model and a multi-aircraft scheduling optimization approach tailored for urban air mobility systems.

Findings

Improved operational safety through risk-aware planning.

Reduced delays and collision risks in multi-aircraft scheduling.

Enhanced efficiency of urban air mobility operations.

Abstract

With the increasing development of intelligent transportation systems and advancements in aviation technology, the concept of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is gaining attention. This study aims to improve operational safety and service quality within Urban Air Mobility (UAM) through a trajectory-based operation (TBO). A multi-layer operational risk assessment model is introduced to capture the effects of aircraft failure scenarios on critical urban entities, including ground personnel, vehicles, and in-flight UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles). Based on this, a single-aircraft track planning model is designed to balance operational risk and transportation cost under the performance constraints of eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) aircraft. A customized track planning algorithm with safety buffer zones is used to identify the most efficient flight paths. Additionally, a multi-aircraft scheduling optimization model is proposed to minimize delays and reduce mid-air collision risks. Experimental results show that the presented approach improves both efficiency and safety, providing practical solutions for UAM operations.