A data clustering approach to identify logical functional ATFCM areas

The paper presents the methodology designating to identify the network effect between a global set of capacity constraints made of sector and airport capacities. The goal is to solve this problem as locally as possible, this being possible by reducing the difficulty of global network impact assessment problem through the definition of Logical ATFCM Functional Areas (LFAAs). First, a new approach for the evaluation of the current network effect handled by the CFMU (EUROCONTROL Central Flow and Management Unit) slot allocation process is proposed. The assessment methodology including the definition of network effect indicators and statistical results are presented so as to provide a global insight of the network effect intensity and distribution. While this approach addresses network effect assessment in the post-operations phase, the second part of the paper introduces a methodology and key concepts aiming at anticipating the network effect through the definition of LFAAs. Thus, the present study aims to provide the initial methods, key concepts and tools to the definition of functional ATFCM areas.