Air Corridor-Based Optimization of Chinese Airspace and Carbon Emission Analysis

Abstract

This study theoretically delineates China’s current airspace based on airspace management rules, primarily by constructing air corridors to optimize the existing structure, with validation through aviation carbon emissions analysis. First, seven air corridors were delineated based on route clustering analysis, and their significance was further evaluated through carbon emission efficiency comparison. The results show that: 1) the seven corridors are mainly located in central and eastern China, forming a “diamond-shaped three-dimensional structure”; 2) there are significant differences in operational scale among the corridors, with the Harbin-Haikou route being the most active and the Chongqing-Zhuhai route the least; 3) the total carbon emissions from the seven corridors amount to 619,431 tons, with carbon emissions and efficiency positively correlated with aircraft type, cruising time, and operational scale; 4) the flight density within established corridors is higher than before their formation, and they accommodate more flights. This study provides a broad coverage, highlighting the structural characteristics of China’s airspace.