Business Benefits CASE STUDIES

"TAAM has become an extremely important tool for the work we do in the public interest."
Andre J. Murphy, Senior Staff Member, MITRE CAASD.

The following case studies provide evidence of tangible outcomes achieved by customers using TAAM:

DFS
The objective of this simulation was the optimization of the extremely complex airspace structure and arrival-/departure procedures for the approach control unit serving the three airports of Berlin (Germany).

By using TAAM, DFS developed a new airspace sectorization in combination with departure routes representing more optimal flight profiles. This resulted in a reduction of the controllers' coordination workload by almost 35%. At the same time airspace users requirements were additionally met by considerably shorter arrival routes, in line with optimized descent profiles. The reduced fuel burn, improved safety, shorter flying time and reduced airspace complexity, resulted in significant gains for all stakeholders.

FEDEX
Construction work on one of FedEx's runways required a change of operating procedures and forced the use of an alternate runway. Numerous problems ensued. A TAAM simulation (the U27 project) demonstrated that a 30% delay reduction could be achieved through the use of a new parking plan and departure order.

Further TAAM simulations conducted in cooperation with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (U3 project) resulted in another departure plan. Estimated annual savings in fuel costs are about $5 million for the U27 project and close to $10 million for the U3 project. Both projects won FedEx corporate Quality Awards

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES
On-Time Performance Improvements

By using TAAM, Continental was able to significantly reduce delays and improve on-time performance at its Newark and Cleveland hubs. In Cleveland, departure peak optimization helped to reach more than 90% on-time performance target without any sacrifices to the summer schedule integrity.

DELTA
Two possible expansion alternatives at Delta's major hub airport were studied, one being significantly larger than the other.

The analysis concluded that the costlier alternative to alleviate airport congestion, which occurred only ten percent of the year, created more delay than the less ambitious expansion plan. This operational insight then helped airport planners reject an alternative that would have cost considerably more to construct, without any additional operational benefits.