About the exercise

The aim of this exercise was to validate improved Point Merge procedures in a complex TMA, in Milan, building on Precision Area Navigation (P-RNAV) and Continuous Descent Approaches (CDA).

Results

• Air Traffic Controller efficiency is improved, with an estimated 50% reduction in radio telecommunication (R/T) and 75% reduction in the need for vectoring, while airspace capacity increased by at least an average of 20%;
• Situational awareness is significantly better and handling of unusual situations is improved;
• Safety levels are maintained or even slightly improved;
• Runway throughput is improved by 4% on average; and
• Potential fuel burn is reduced by 2%