A comparison study of scheduled block times in China and Europe

Higher levels of predictability and flight efficiency are declared design goals for a high performing air transportation system. Within that context, a better understanding of the temporal planning of airspace users and air navigation service providers is essential. Since turnaround times, driven by the operational capability of airports, are relatively stable, scheduled block times represent a key factor on the demand side of air transport. Thus, the strategy of scheduled block time (SBT) setting plays a significant role in terms of airspace user demand on related capacity and ANSP resources. This paper studies the interplay between user intention and demand. The work is based on the empirical analysis of the SBTs in China and Europe for the years 2014 through 2016. A model was developed to capture SBT setting behavior using multiple linear regression. The model was fitted with operational data from China and Europe separately, and the fitting coefficients for the two regions were compared. Similarities and differences in the coefficients were analyzed considering characteristics of the two regions' ATM systems. Additionally a simplified model was devised to work out the dominating model variables. This study reveals insights into SBT setting strategy and support stakeholders' decisions in SBT setting. Further investigation on how SBT setting affect air transport demand can be informed by this paper.