APACHE - Results from simulations and analysis of results

Abstract

This document presents the results from validation exercises of the APACHE Project. Its purpose is to identify, describe and assess the results generated by the different assessments and simulations carried out towards the fulfilment of the objectives of the Project. The APACHE Project proposes a new framework to assess European ATM (air traffic management) performance based on simulation, optimization and performance assessment tools. This framework implements new (or enhanced) performance indicators (PIs) aiming at bridging some of the gaps identified in current state-of-the-art methodologies in ATM performance assessment. Furthermore, this Framework can also be used to better identify interdependencies and trade-offs between different key performance areas (KPA). In order to validate these new PIs and the proposed methodology, one post-ops and four pre-ops scenarios have been assessed (analysing historical and simulated/synthesised data, respectively). Pre- ops scenarios are designed to perform an initial assessment of certain SESAR 2020 solutions and to test the appropriateness of the APACHE PIs to capture ATM performance in the future concept of operations envisaged by SESAR 2020. Each scenario is composed, in turn, by several Case Studies, mainly to assess the sensibility to different air traffic demand levels and different quality of the input data. Moreover, ad-hoc “a priori” case studies have also been conducted to assess specific trade-offs between KPAs. Finally, some of the PIs currently used by the SES Performance Scheme have been implemented for benchmarking purposes. Results show the appropriateness of the new PIs proposed by APACHE, especially for the Cost-efficiency, Environment and Safety KPAs. PIs for Access and Equity, Capacity and Flexibility represent indeed a contribution beyond current practices, but deserve more research and fine-tuning to raise their maturity level.