IO – During the Spring 2026 semester, Gladion Alim Putero, an Aeronautical Engineering student at Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa Timur (UPNVJT), successfully completed an international research internship through the Formosa Talent Internship Program (FTIP) at National Formosa University (NFU), Taiwan. During the program, he conducted research on aircraft taxi route optimization at Taoyuan International Airport using the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm.
The research, entitled “Trajectory-Based Evaluation and Graph-Constrained Multi-Solver Benchmarking for Departure Taxi Route Optimization at Taoyuan International Airport Using Ant Colony Optimization,” focuses on improving the efficiency of aircraft ground movements during the departure taxiing phase. The study was motivated by the growing need to enhance airport operational efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and optimize taxiing distances while maintaining safety standards.
In this research, Gladion analyzed historical flight movement data and compared it with theoretical shortest path routes generated by the ACO algorithm. Through this approach, the study aimed to evaluate whether existing taxi routes utilized by pilots and airport operators were already optimal or whether alternative routes could further improve operational efficiency.
The findings demonstrate that the Ant Colony Optimization algorithm is capable of navigating complex airport taxiway networks and identifying potential route efficiencies for departing aircraft. The developed system successfully generated realistic taxi routes that complied with airport safety regulations and operational requirements.
One of the major outcomes of this project was the development of an integrated Python-based framework for aircraft taxi route optimization. The framework combines flight tracking data, geospatial information from OpenStreetMap, and optimization algorithms while producing data visualizations that meet IEEE publication standards. The research results are currently being refined and prepared for submission to an IEEE Q2-indexed international journal.
Reflecting on his experience in Taiwan, Gladion stated that the internship significantly enhanced his understanding of optimization algorithms in aviation applications, geospatial data processing, and scientific writing for international publications. Beyond technical competencies, the program also provided valuable opportunities to engage in cross cultural collaboration and interdisciplinary research.
“Studying at NFU during the Spring 2026 semester has been an incredibly enriching and memorable experience. NFU offers a strong academic environment that encourages hands-on learning, independent thinking, and genuine engagement with engineering challenges,” Gladion explained.
He added that the internship significantly enhanced his understanding of optimization algorithms in aviation applications, geospatial data processing, and scientific writing for international publications. This achievement highlights the capability of UPNVJT students to contribute to global scientific advancement and reinforces the university’s commitment to fostering international research excellence and innovation in engineering and aviation technologies.
Created by Aushaf Salsacita Anwarismail (IO UPNVJT: Communication and Creative Media Division)
Edited by International Office