Aircraft gauge differences between the US and Europe and their operational implications

In this paper, we perform a segment-level analysis of the structural differences in average gauge in the US and Europe and assess their impact on traffic and delay at major US airports. The results show that, while average gauge is consistently greater in Europe, the magnitude of the difference is larger for low density and longer segments. The 30% greater traffic at major US airports as compared to those in Europe is to the result of the structural difference in the average gauge. Flight delay at major US airports would decrease by an average of 5–6 min if the gauge relationship were governed by the European gauge relationship.

► We investigate structural differences in average gauge in the US and Europe.
► We assess the impact of gauge differences on traffic and delay at major US airports.
► The differences in flight segment characteristics reduce the gauge disparity.
► Observed traffic difference is attributed to differences in gauge relationships.
► Flight delays at US airports would decrease if following European gauge recipe.