Swedavia and the Swedish Civil Aviation Administration are the first in Europe to introduce a new approach concept. The new concept, known in technical terms as Established on RNP (EoR), means that it will now be possible for arriving aircraft to fly curved approaches to a greater extent than previously at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. The concept is an important step towards increased capacity, efficiency and sustainability in air traffic.
– For us, it is of course gratifying that Swedavia is the first in Europe to apply the new way of handling 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 renewable aviation fuel (SAF), says Susanne Norman, Director of Operations at Swedavia.
The new approach concept enables the airport to have more landings per hour and to reduce emissions, both for aircraft flying a shorter, curved approach and for those flying the regular approach. This is because fewer aircraft need to fly into the runway, which reduces the queue to that runway. In order to fly curved approaches, airlines are required to have a special permit from the Swedish Transport Agency.
– The Swedish Civil Aviation Administration's modernization of airspace shows how air traffic control can help reduce the environmental impact of aviation. The traffic flow into Stockholm Arlanda Airport becomes more efficient during peak hours and landing aircraft have a shorter flight path, resulting in lower emissions, says Anna Granberg, Director of Operations, at the Swedish Civil Aviation Administration.
– We are very positive that Swedavia and the Civil Aviation Administration are introducing this system to increase the number of curved approaches. We would like to commend them for the initiative and for the good cooperation ahead of the start-up of this, which not only leads to shorter approaches, but also to lower fuel consumption and lower
emissions. Our goal is to reduce emissions by 45 percent by 2030 and more efficient flights like this are one of the most important measures we are focusing on, along with increased use of renewable aviation fuels and the phasing in of new aircraft, says Charlotte Holmbergh, Country Director
Corporate Affairs at Norwegian.
– SAS welcomes all initiatives that contribute to reducing fuel consumption, noise and emissions. The introduction of the new approach concept is a step in the right direction towards a more efficient and more sustainable airspace around Arlanda, says Alexandra Lindgren Kaoukji, Head of External Communication & PR at SAS.
Facts
Curved approach technology requires special equipment in the aircraft, specially trained pilots and special permission from the Swedish Transport Agency, Swedavia's regulatory authority. In addition to reducing environmental impact, the introduction of the new approach concept also provides incentives for airlines to invest in curved approach technology to enable them to avoid noise-sensitive areas in the long run.
