INNSBRUCK WINS ERA AIRPORT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD


29/09/2006

An initiative that improves the efficiency and safety of ATC at and around an airport has won Innsbruck Airport the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) Airport Achievement Award for 2006/7.

In close cooperation with the National Air Navigation Service Provider, the local operating airlines and the Austrian Civil Aviation Authority, Innsbruck Airport impressed the judges by its installation and implementation of a Multilateration Surveillance System (MSS) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Area Navigation (RNAV) approach procedures.

Commenting on Innsbruck’s win, the judges said: “Innsbruck Airport sets an example for other regional airports on how to improve the airport operation and enhance flight safety especially under low visibility conditions at affordable costs by installing MSS.

“With the support of Austrocontrol and Austrian Airlines, Innsbruck are also forerunners for the development of RNP procedures in Europe, thus demonstrating strategic thinking and planning for the benefit of aircraft operators and for the benefit of flight safety. The implementation of RNP-RNAV is of great value especially for secondary and regional airport operations.”

The ERA Airport Achievement Award is presented for an airport initiative that has had a positive impact on intra-European air transport operations or on regional operations in particular. The Award aims to promote excellence and encourage industry best practice by cultivating partnerships among ERA member airports and airlines. It is judged by a panel of distinguished industry experts from throughout Europe.

ENDS


Editors’ Note

A Multilateration Surveillance System (MSS) provides an accurate and reliable real time picture of the actual traffic flow on the ground and in the air and therefore significantly improves efficiency and safety of ATC at and around an airport. Its ability to enhance control of aircraft in the air and on the ground, and vehicle movements on the ground improves airport throughput, maintains operations in low visibility and ensures safety – not least by preventing runway incursions. Lower operating costs and the ability to work effectively in a difficult terrain environment make MSS an excellent substitute for Primary Radar (SSR). An additional advantage is the faster update rate which significantly reduces target tracking errors which exist with rotating radars.

The value of RNAV for today’s flight operation is undoubted. The implementation of P-RNAV in ECAC states is slower than anticipated. RNP-RNAV with its better lateral accuracy enables the benefits to be extended from mainly en-route airspace to terminal areas and airports. Curved approaches are possible, which means more environmental friendly tracks can be flown and operation in an obstacle rich environment is possible. Lower landing minima for non ILS runways support schedule reliability of the airlines.