航空气象, 航线优化, 西风带, 大圆航线

This paper proposes a calculation method for designing optimal routes using the atmospheric background westerlies and provides criteria for determining the applicable routes, and quantifies the time saved by the optimal route compared to the great circle route. The results show that for some routes across the Eastern and Western hemispheres, flying time with the westerlies in both directions is shorter than that via the original route. Taking the route between Beijing and New York as an example, the current eastbound route (Beijing to New York) follows the tailwind, while the westbound return (New York to Beijing) flies against the headwind. The calculation results indicate that if the return flight also follows the eastbound tailwind, the required time is shorter than flying westbound against the headwind. Further analysis shows that this design is applicable to many routes between cities across the Eastern and Western hemispheres. The research results can help the civil aviation system optimize routes, reduce aviation fuel consumption, save costs, and reduce carbon emissions.

aviation meteorology, route optimization, westerly jetstream, great circle route