Swedavia and Swedish air traffic controller Luftfartsverket (LFV) have become the first in Europe to introduce a new air traffic approach concept.
The new concept is commonly referred to as Established on RNP (EoR) and makes it possible for aircraft arriving at Stockholm Arlanda Airport to fly with curved approaches to a greater extent than before.
The concept is an important step towards increasing the capacity, efficiency and sustainability of air traffic.
“For us, it is of course gratifying that Swedavia will be the first in Europe to apply the new concept for managing arrivals. Enabling more curved approaches is also the most effective way to support airlines in their transition work, in addition to facilitating increased use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF),” says Susanne Norman, Swedavia’s director of Operations.
The new approach concept allows the airport to increase the landing rate per hour and reduces emissions, both for the aircraft flying the shorter, curved approach and for those flying the standard instrument landing approach.
This is because fewer aircraft have to use the runway dedicated for arrivals, reducing the queue for that runway. To be able to fly curved approaches, airlines must have a special permit from their National Supervisory Authority.
“The modernisation of the airspace by Luftfartsverket shows how air traffic control can help reduce the environmental impact of aviation,” notes LFV’s director of operations, Anna Granberg.
“The traffic flow into Stockholm Arlanda Airport becomes more efficient during peak hours, and arriving aircraft have shorter flight paths with reduced emissions.”