Formation flying as an innovative air transportation system for long-haul commercial flight: A focus on operational feasibility and potential gain

摘要

Formation flying is introduced as a new and innovative air transportation system for long-haul commercial flight. With this paper the operational feasibility of formation flying is addressed, both from a market demand and economic, as well as an air traffic control perspective. Preliminary results of a case study indicate that operating a newly designed aircraft that is optimized for formation flying could cut the fuel consumption over long-haul flights in half compared to current state-of-the-art aircraft. Therefore, this air transportation system proves to be a possible solution to the impending regulations and fines regarding the reduction of CO2 emissions in aviation.