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

提出一种利用大气背景西风设计最优航线的计算方法, 并给出判定所适用航线的标准, 量化最优航线相较于大圆航线所节省的时间。研究结果表明, 对于一些跨东西半球的航线, 去程和返程都顺着西风飞行比按照原路返回航线所需时间短。以北京与纽约之间的航线为例, 目前采用的去程(北京至纽约)向东顺风, 返程(纽约至北京)向西逆风, 计算结果表明, 如果返程也向东顺风飞行, 所需时间比原路向西逆风飞行短。进一步的分析结果表明, 这种设计对很多跨东西半球城市之间的航线都适用。研究结果可以帮助民航系统优化航线, 减少航空燃油消耗, 节约成本和减少碳排放。

航空气象, 航线优化, 西风带, 大圆航线