Research on Apron Control: Traffic Complexity and Control Area Division Method

This paper focuses on the practical aspects of apron operations and conducts research on apron control from the perspectives of traffic complexity and control area division method. Firstly, focusing on the work of apron controllers, a multi-dimensional evaluation index system was established for apron traffic complexity. Three key evaluation indices were proposed based on principal component analysis method, namely apron traffic density index (ATDI), aircraft potential conflict index (APCI), and apron traffic coordination index (ATCI). Then, the power diagram is used to preliminarily divide the airport surface area. Based on the evaluation indices of apron traffic complexity and apron control area structure, the objective function and constraints of the optimization division model for apron control area are established. Finally, the real data of Shenzhen Airport is used for case verification. CPLEX is used to obtain the optimal division result of the apron control area. The proposed framework can scientifically and effectively divide the apron area, and balance the workload of apron controllers.