Collaborative Decision Making in Air Traffic Flow Management

Hoffman, Hall, Ball, Odoni, Wambsganss

Key Words: Air traffic flow management, collaborative decision making, compression, free flight, ground-holding problem, integer programming, ration-by-schedule.

January 1999

Abstract

This paper describes the models and procedures underlying collaborative decision-making (CDM), a recently introduced approach to air traffic flow management. CDM is a first step toward free flight and promises to have a profound impact on research in traffic flow management. The initial focus of this joint FAA-industry venture has been the improvement of ground delay programs and their progression toward an environment in which the NAS users would gain more control and flexibility over their operations. CDM operational procedures for ground delay programs are now in place at all airports in the United States. CDM is extending to other areas of air traffic management, such as the routing of aircraft around overloaded sectors of airspace and inclement weather. This paper discusses the new roles of government and industry that have been forged by CDM philosophies as well as the algorithms, methods and technologies employed by CDM. We document the current efforts of CDM to improve the air transportation system and discuss the impact CDM will have on future research in air traffic management.