Simulation-Based Capacity Analysis of Cross-Dock eVTOL Vertiports for Cargo Operations

Emerging electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft have the potential to expedite freight movements, particularly the middle-mile segment. Recent studies on eVTOL have focused on the design of vertiports. However, previous studies focused on passenger transport use cases. This paper, to the best of the author’s knowledge, is the first to analyze ground operations of vertiports that are integrated into existing cross-docks (CDs). Two designs are investigated: (1) vertiports with fixed-use CD doors (VP-CD-Fixed); and (2) vertiports with dual-use CD doors (VP-CD-Dual). Fixed-use CD doors are designed for inbound or outbound cargo, while dual-use CD doors accommodate both. The VP-CD-Fixed and VP-CD-Dual configurations and operations were modeled using an agent-based modeling software, AnyLogic, to enable the analysis of system throughput within 8 h with different unloading times, loading times, and landing/takeoff prioritization schemes. Regulatory criteria from the Federal Aviation Administration Engineering Bulletin 105A were used to guide the selection of realistic vertiport design options. The simulation results show that cargo handling time, the balance between unloading and loading time, stand capacity, operation type, and configuration all have significant effects on vertiport throughput. For example, extended cargo handling times become a critical factor in system throughput; however, their effect differs between VP-CD-Fixed and VP-CD-Dual, and between the two landing/takeoff priority schemes. To support design decisions for VP-CD-Fixed and VP-CD-Dual configurations, an equation is developed to provide rapid estimations of vertiport throughput.