SMART Approaches for Auckland

SMART Approaches for Auckland

New Zealand Airports Association (NZ Airports) has welcomed the announcement that SMART Approaches satellite-based navigation technology will come into use at Auckland Airport next year.

NZ Airports Chief Executive Kevin Ward said the move, which is expected to result in more efficient aircraft landings at the airport, was the result of the New Zealand aviation industry working together in innovative ways on behalf of passengers, communities and the environment.

“This is the way of the future,” said Mr Ward. “The International Civil Aviation Organisation is a strong advocate of the global move towards the satellite based navigation technology used in SMART Approaches.

It maintains safety levels while providing a range of benefits including quieter aircraft as they come into land and reduced fuel use and carbon emissions.

“For instance, the results from the SMART Approaches trial show that during 11,822 flights in the trial period, 138,000 nautical miles, 460 hours of flying time and over three million kilos of carbon emissions were avoided, and more than one million kilos of fuel saved.”

Mr Ward said that New Zealand’s geography often limits the options for straight-in approaches to airports so the modern curved paths and increased precision possible with satellite-based navigation will be of great benefit here.

“Having the most safe, modern and efficient air networks is very important to our economy and we look forward to the new technology being used more widely.”

There will be three SMART Approaches flight paths into Auckland, two approaching from the north and the third from the south, starting in mid-2015. A further approach from the North is being developed for trial and public consultation next year.

“Public feedback from the initial trials was very important in the development of the first three SMART Approach paths and we look forward to strong community participation in the fourth trial too,” said Mr Ward.

“Implementation of SMART Approaches technology at Auckland Airport will also see all jets flying conventional paths from the north using instrument-based approaches rather than having the option of making visual approaches. This will further also reduce the impact of aviation on Auckland residents.”

ENDS

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