Abstract: In order to solve the problem of flight conflict detection and resolution (CDR) on fixed airway, a CDR method based on allocation of flight levels is proposed, and a distributed multi-agent system is designed for the algorithm implementation. Firstly, a fixed airway net graph is established to model control sector. Secondly, the major factors of the allocation of flight levels are analyzed, and then a priority evaluation model is established. Finally, a multi-agent system based on contract net protocol is designed, which establishes a distributed CDR mode based on independent communication, negotiation and coordination between intersection agents and aircraft agents, rather than an actual centralized mode relying on air traffic controllers. Simulation results show that the flight level distribution method is feasible, and it is closer to actual situation, compared with traditional method based on heading or velocity adjustment. And the designed distributed multi-agent system algorithm can search the optimal solution rapidly, which provides a new solution to the CDR problem.

Key words: air transportation, conflict resolution, contract net protocol, multi-agent system, air traffic management