What is meant by 'simultaneous operations' in air traffic management?

Simultaneous operations refer to the ability to use two or more runways at the same time, which can significantly increase the capacity and efficiency of an airport. This can involve parallel approach and departure procedures, where aircraft are either landing or taking off on different runways that are close together. The management of these operations requires precise coordination to ensure safety and minimize the risk of collisions, particularly in busy terminal environments.

Each runway can accommodate aircraft independently, allowing multiple flights to be managed simultaneously. This is particularly beneficial at large airports with high traffic volume, as it helps to reduce delays and improve overall traffic flow. The procedures are carefully designed and implemented, involving separation standards to maintain a safe distance between aircraft using each runway, whether they are arriving or departing.

The other options do not capture the specific essence of simultaneous operations as they relate to runway use. Operations conducted by multiple aircraft could happen in various ways that do not involve runway use, cooperative systems describe the technology and processes in managing traffic rather than the physical aspect of runway usage, and controlling approaching and departing aircraft without delay, while relevant, does not specifically address the concept of runways being utilized at the same time.