Arrival flight efficiency in pre- and post-Covid-19 pandemics

Area of Science:

• Aviation Operations
• Air Traffic Management
• Environmental Performance

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant decrease in global air traffic.
• Aviation is currently experiencing a gradual recovery in traffic volumes.
• This study examines arrival performance during a period of reduced, non-congested air traffic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze flight arrival efficiency in Terminal Maneuvering Areas (TMAs) during uncongested conditions.
• To identify and quantify inefficiencies in arrival performance despite reduced traffic.
• To investigate the distinct impacts of weather and traffic intensity on arrival efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Utilized historical arrival data from Stockholm Arlanda and Gothenburg Landvetter airports.
• Applied flight efficiency and environmental performance indicators (PIs).
• Analyzed isolated scenarios focusing on either low traffic or good weather conditions.

Main Results:

• Noticeable arrival inefficiencies were detected even with significantly reduced traffic intensity.
• Weather demonstrated a stronger influence on vertical efficiency compared to traffic intensity.
• Traffic intensity had a greater impact on lateral efficiency, potentially due to vectoring and holding patterns.

Conclusions:

• Arrival inefficiencies exist in TMAs even during non-congested periods.
• Weather and traffic intensity have differential impacts on vertical and lateral flight efficiency.
• Further research is required to understand the correlations and potential country-specific variations.