Performance analysis of North Pacific Operations using an automated air traffic control system simulation

A computer simulation is described which models current and future air-traffic control (ATC) system operating environments, including traffic demands, route structures, winds, and separation criteria. Metrics are defined to highlight parameter sensitivities for optimizing direct operating costs, and to provide an assessment of performance in terms of time and fuel penalties under suboptimum operating conditions. The analysis results are intended to help the designers of the future North Pacific (NOPAC) system increase airspace capacity and operational efficiency. Requirements are established for further research to automate ATC functions for future real-time closed-loop control of aircraft over the ocean