Flight level assignment using graph coloring

Abstract

This paper models an air traffic optimization problem where, on the one hand, flight operators seek to minimize fuel consumption flying at optimal cruise levels and, on the other hand, air traffic managers aim to keep intersecting airways at as distant as possible flight levels. We study such a problem as a factorized optimization, which is addressed through a spectrum graph coloring model, evaluating the effect that safety constraints have on fuel consumption, and comparing different heuristic approaches for allocation.