Dynamic Sectorisation Operational Trial
Read an overview of the Dynamic Sectorisation Operational Trial, which has now completed.
High Level Sectors (HLS) – TEN-T funded feasibility study
The TEN-T funded feasibility study on the concept of high level sectors across the UK-Ireland FAB was concluded in December 2012. The aim of HLS is to introduce airspace which provides aircraft with more optimum routings and allows them to remain at cruising levels for longer periods than is currently the case. The HLS feasibility work has confirmed that substantial performance improvements can be made through dynamic sectorisation.
Integrated FAB Network Management organisation
Following completion of the tactical management trial, single Integrated FAB Network Management is now in operation within the FAB with effect from 1 April 2013 with full NSA regulatory approval. This demonstrates enhanced capacity management capability in interface sectors and ensures we are interfacing with the European Network Manager at a FAB level. This is supporting the aspiration of the EC to reduce the number of ANSP interfaces. For example, this eliminated regulations in the Isle of Man sector during 2012 (compared to 60 in 2011).
Point Merge at Dublin airport
Point Merge was successfully implemented in Dublin on 13 December 2012. This FAB project involved substantial support and collaboration from the UK CAA and both the Irish and UK Military in order to ensure the airspace and air traffic management arrangements and that project objectives were met whilst giving due regard to UK operational and regulatory requirements. The new air traffic management technique increases capacity through maximising arrival rates and assists airlines in flying more environmentally friendly Continuous Descent Approaches (CDAs) to Dublin airport. It effectively eradicates the need to put aircraft into traditional circular holding patterns, thereby providing environmental benefits by cutting fuel burn and CO2 emissions, as well as reducing delays to passengers. Additionally, a new air route (Y124/UY124) for traffic departing from Dublin across the North Wales Military Training Area (NWMTA) was also introduced on 13 December 2012, which is helping to reduce air traffic congestion, particularly during the busy morning period.
FAB Queue Management Strategy Plan
Q-MAN is a crucial project to deliver optimisation of the FAB airspace and also demonstrates our commitment to working with other FABs. London TMA arrivals and wider FABEC airport TMA arrivals require an efficient deployment of Q-MAN techniques. Therefore, on 21 February 2013 the UK and Ireland ANSPs agreed a joint FAB Q-MAN Strategy Plan which exceeded the original objective of this work package. The work is now being coordinated closely with FABEC with discussion underway between our own ANSPs and those of FABEC in order to harmonise implementation plans and maximise operational benefits. Q-MAN trials are scheduled to commence within the UK-Ireland FAB and between the UK-Ireland FAB and FABEC during 2014.