Developments Towards Trajectory Based Operations in Arrival Management at Schiphol Airport

Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL) supports the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) in the implementation of Trajectory Based Operations (TBO). A key TBO-component for LVNL is to achieve more environmentally friendly arrivals by introducing Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) in the Terminal Area (TMA) during daytime along fixed Precision Area Navigation (P-RNAV) routes. Simulations and calculations demonstrated decreased controllers’ workload and reductions in noise nuisance for use of P-RNAV routes and in fuel burn for CDA operations.To realize CDAs flown along P-RNAV routes, more predictable and stable arrival traffic flows are needed. Therefore, more accurate delivery of flights at the Initial Approach Fix (IAF) is required. LVNL is developing a decision support tool (Speed and Route Advisor - SARA) for controllers in the Area Control Centre. Simulations show that the reached accuracy of the target metering time window at the IAF can enable CDA along TMA P-RNAV routes.