Modelling performance an air transport network operated by subsonic and supersonic aircraft

Abstract

This paper deals with modelling the performance of an air transport network operated by existing subsonic and the prospective supersonic commercial aircraft. Analytical models of indicators of the infrastructural, technical/technological, operational, economic, environmental, and social performance of the network relevant for the main actors/stakeholders involved are developed. The models are applied to the given long-haul air route network exclusively operated by subsonic and supersonic aircraft according to the specified "what-if"scenarios.The results from application of the models indicate that supersonic flights powered by LH2 (Liquid Hydrogen) could be more feasible than their subsonic counterparts powered by Jet A fuel, in terms of about three times higher technical productivity, 46% smaller size of the required fleet given the frequency of a single flight per day, 20% lower sum of the aircraft/airline operational, air passenger time, and considered external costs, up to two times higher overall social-economic feasibility, and 94% greater savings in contribution to global warming and climate change. These flights could be less feasible in terms of about 70-85% higher aircraft/airline operational costs, 70% and 19% higher fuel consumption and emissions of Green House Gases, respectively, and 6-13% higher noise compared to the specified acceptable levels.