Success is on the RISE at Heathrow

Controllers in the UK, France, Ireland and the Netherlands have joined forces to slow aircraft down up to 350 miles away from London and the initial results suggest their efforts have been successful. The project, entitled RNP Implementation Synchronised in Europe, or RISE, sees the companies launching new performance based navigation procedures at eight airports located in southern Europe. These PBN procedures intend to alleviate aircraft reliance on ground-based navigational aids and promote satellite navigation as an alternative, to allow flexible, optimal routing. Since April last, NATS has recorded a decrease of up to a minute in holding times for flights involved in the trials. Martin Rolfe, Managing Director of the company, said: "Taking 60 seconds out of holding for trial-influenced aircraft may not seem a lot, but it is a significant achievement and equates to serious savings for our airline customers while proving that this kind of cross-border co-operation can reap real benefits."

In addition to the potential financial benefits, results have also shown a reduction in noise pollution for communities underneath the stacks, which is certainly good news for the affected residents. Heathrow airport Airside Director, Derek Provan, said: "This trial is a definitive step in the right direction towards quieter and more sustainable airline operations. We welcome the efforts NATS has made, and for working with us to make Heathrow a better neighbour to local residents."

Environmental benefits are also expected following the implementation of RNP procedures, which, it is hoped, will significantly lower fuel consumption during aircraft descent and arrival, thereby reducing environmental impact. Needless to say, the initial findings have proven promising and at the very least indicate that the objective of reducing average holding times by a quarter from the current time of eight minutes is certainly obtainable.