Systems engineering framework to assess the impacts of very large capacity aircraft in airport operations and planning

A methodology is presented to investigate the effect of Very Large Capacity Aircraft (VLCA) operations at existing and future airports. The procedure that is described investigates airport and airline impacts of VLCA operations using a systems engineering approach to understand the trade-offs between economic and technological operational factors. Specific topics discussed in this analysis are (a) the effect of VLCA on airport capacity, (b) development of new geometric design guidelines, (c) landside impacts and gate compatibility issues, (d) airside capacity impacts, and (e) possible noise and pavement design impacts. These aspects are modeled using the Systems Dynamics methodology, which permits a blend of technological and socioeconomic variables into the same model. Realistic parametric templates of feasible aircraft designs are defined using computer methods, and the impacts of proposed designs in airport operations, capacity, and economics are explored. The analysis focuses on the airside and landside capacity, geometric design constraints, and pavement and acoustic impacts of VLCA operations. A systems engineering perspective is used when aircraft design inputs have quantifiable outcomes on airport capacity, on infrastructure changes, and ultimately, on the cost of operations. Cost-effective ways to facilitate the operations of VLCA at existing and future airports are identified, including new design guidelines.