ERA Dives into CDAs

Board members of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) have agreed to call for the use of continuous descent approaches (CDAs) at as many European airports as possible because of the system's beneficial effects on both the environment and flight safety. ERA says it has long accepted the assertion...

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Board members of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) have agreed to call for the use of continuous descent approaches (CDAs) at as many European airports as possible because of the system's beneficial effects on both the environment and flight safety.

ERA says it has long accepted the assertion that CDAs enhance safety benefits when compared with the traditional stepped approach to landing at an airport. Now the ERA is pushing for greater implementation of CDAs because the procedure also saves fuel, emits less CO2 and reduces noise impact around airports.

CDAs have been shown in trials undertaken by Eurocontrol to effect a 10-30 percent reduction in fuel burn and up to a 30 percent reduction in noise. This equates to a saving of between 50 and 150kgs of fuel and up to 450kgs of CO2 per flight, the group notes.

Mike Ambrose, ERA director general, says "regional airports are less restricted than some of the busier major hubs such as London Heathrow or Frankfurt, and are therefore best placed to apply continuous descent approaches. No special equipment is necessarily required, but it does entail enhanced cooperation between airlines, airports and air traffic service providers."

ERA now plans to work closely with Eurocontrol to promote the implementation of CDAs at regional airports throughout Europe through collaboration with airlines, airports and air traffic services providers.